Rafah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stated that the ongoing Israeli aggression should not provide any local or international party the legitimacy to impose arbitrary arrangements on the Gaza Strip.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, in a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati at the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine. He emphasized that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and the government is the only executive body authorized to administer the affairs of Gaza, as it is in the West Bank.
He stressed that the government of the State of Palestine is prepared to shoulder its responsibilities towards the people in the Gaza Strip, despite the challenges, in cooperation with all partners, including the private sector, civil society, and international institutions, within the national strategy.
The Prime Minister announced the forthcoming establishment of a committee to administer the affairs of the Gaza Strip. He clarified that this is a temporary committee under the Palestinian government's authority, aimed at reactivating the work of the State of Palestine's institutions in Gaza, in line with the basic law and resolutions of the Arab Summit and international bodies.
He added that there will be resistance to any attempts to obstruct the national will and the Arab and international consensus on the unity of Palestinian national institutions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and on establishing an independent Palestinian state across all Palestinian territories.
Mustafa highlighted ongoing political and diplomatic efforts led by President Mahmoud Abbas, with support from brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations, to halt the aggression, prevent displacement, and unify the homeland within the framework of the institutions of the independent State of Palestine and the PLO.
He affirmed the continuation of services to the people in the Gaza Strip, including education, health, water, and electricity, with the participation of tens of thousands of employees in the Strip.
The Prime Minister also emphasized collaboration with Egypt to prepare for a reconstruction conference in Cairo as soon as possible, to rebuild the Gaza Strip in partnership with regional and international allies, based on the Arab plan for recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
He stressed the importance of the Rafah crossing as a gateway to life, criticizing Israel's continued closure and prevention of aid trucks from entering the Gaza Strip, which he argued highlights Israel's intentions to starve the Palestinian people and prevent the establishment of a unified and independent state.
Mustafa praised Egypt's steadfast support, led by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, against displacement schemes and underscored Egypt's historical support for Palestinian rights and efforts to ensure the unity of Palestine under the legitimate government led by the PLO.
He called for more effective international action to compel Israel to resume the entry of aid shipments and to stop using starvation as a weapon against civilians.
