Brussels: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa urged the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) and international allies to apply pressure for the release of withheld Palestinian clearance revenues and to provide immediate budget support for six months, as outlined by Saudi Arabia, France, Norway, and Spain. The plan includes issuing bonds to Palestinian banks to manage liquidity and public debt efficiently.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, during the PDG meeting at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Mustafa emphasized the need for additional donors to maintain banking lines with Israel, increase shekel fund returns, support Gaza's reconstruction, and provide early trust fund pledges. These actions are crucial for service provision, effective Gaza reconstruction, and safeguarding the two-State solution.
The meeting saw participation from over 60 countries and institutions, with officials like Minister of Planning Dr. Estephan Salameh and Deputy Foreign Minister Omar Awadallah present. Mustafa expressed gratitude to the European Union for hosting the event and supporting Palestine during challenging times. He highlighted the international coalition formed to ensure Palestine's financial stability and prevent institutional collapse.
The Prime Minister stressed that the discussion extends beyond budget support to preserving the Palestinian National Authority and state institutions. He called for Gaza and West Bank reunification under a single governance framework, crucial for peace and stability in the region. Mustafa welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2803 for a sustainable Gaza ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, urging its immediate implementation.
Mustafa reviewed the National Program for Development and Reform, noting progress in social protection, education modernization, governance improvements, and financial reforms. He acknowledged partner support, especially from the European Union and Arab states, but emphasized the need for a sustainable financial solution against the backdrop of Israel's politically driven revenue withholding.
He outlined urgent risks to the Palestinian banking system due to potential non-renewal of banking links with Israel and excess shekel liquidity. Mustafa reiterated the authority's readiness to lead Gaza's recovery, supported by the Arab plan and a comprehensive damage assessment. The Recovery and Reconstruction Program for Gaza outlines 56 initiatives across various sectors, with an estimated $67 billion budget over five years.
The Prime Minister stated that early relief efforts have begun, and a six-month Early Recovery Plan is ready for launch upon ceasefire solidification, focusing on essential services and job creation. He affirmed that the Palestinian Government remains active in Gaza, coordinating relief through a Government Operations Room and maintaining essential services.
Mustafa concluded by addressing West Bank developments, highlighting Israeli military operations since October 2023 that have resulted in over 1,070 Palestinian deaths, including 217 children, and widespread displacement. He condemned escalating settler violence, with over 5,000 attacks this year, amid impunity and sometimes encouragement from extremist ministers.
