Vatican City: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mohammad Mustafa, engaged in a critical dialogue with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide during the Vatican, where both leaders were attending the funeral of Pope Francis.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted the pressing need for increased international pressure on Israel to cease its actions in the Gaza Strip and open border crossings that have been closed since early March. Mustafa warned that the closure is worsening the risk of famine in the region. He also emphasized the necessity for immediate humanitarian aid to address shortages of essential supplies such as food and medicine.
The Prime Minister called for an end to the Israeli occupation army and settler violence in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem. He also stressed the importance of stopping Israel's financial deductions from Palestinian tax revenues, which impede the Government's ability to meet its responsibilities. Mustafa urged for the release of all withheld Palestinian funds.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Mustafa updated Foreign Minister Eide on the Palestinian Government's progress in reforms and development initiatives, affirming their readiness to take responsibility in Gaza and commence reconstruction once hostilities end. Mustafa expressed gratitude to Norway for accrediting the first Palestinian ambassador after recognizing the State of Palestine last year.
Foreign Minister Eide praised the comprehensive briefing from Prime Minister Mustafa and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to end the violence in Gaza and the West Bank. He acknowledged the Palestinian Government's reform and development initiatives and reiterated Norway's steadfast support for Palestine.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination to halt the conflict, facilitate humanitarian aid, and empower the Palestinian Government to support its people.
