Post: PM Mustafa Engages with EU Foreign Policy Chief on Middle East Peace and Economic Reforms

Brussels: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa engaged in discussions with Kaja Kallas, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, focusing on recent political developments and field conditions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the meeting took place in Brussels and included key figures such as Minister of Finance Estefan Salameh, Palestine's Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, Amal Jadou Shakaa, and Ambassador Omar Awadallah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for Political Affairs. Prime Minister Mustafa emphasized the necessity for international intervention to pressure Israel into releasing withheld Palestinian tax revenues, which are crucial for the government to meet its commitments and maintain essential services. Mustafa expressed concerns about the escalating tensions in the West Bank, h ighlighting increasing attacks by colonists on Palestinian villages and communities, exacerbated by the support of certain Israeli ministers. He urged the international community to push for the opening of crossings with the Gaza Strip to allow aid, reconstruction supplies, and essential materials to reach those in need, given the dire humanitarian situation. The discussions also encompassed preparations for the forthcoming Palestinian legislative elections. Mustafa underscored the elections' significance for democratic legitimacy and citizen representation. He outlined the government's reform and development agenda, particularly in financial management, governance, and social protection programs. International reports have recognized the government's adherence to transparency and reform, particularly in revising the social assistance payment system to be based on need-based criteria. Furthermore, Mustafa and Kallas explored avenues to strengthen EU-Palestinian bilateral relations, aiming to bolster economi c, trade, and political cooperation. Mustafa highlighted the potential benefits of deepening the partnership with the EU for the Palestinian economy and national institutions. Kallas reaffirmed the EU's dedication to supporting Palestinian reform efforts, Gaza's reconstruction, and addressing medical evacuation needs, despite political hurdles and operational restrictions. She also noted the EU's ongoing commitment to Palestinian institutional support amid funding challenges and Israeli-imposed restrictions.