Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has emphasized the critical need to advance international efforts toward implementing a comprehensive peace plan and initiating the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. He reiterated the legal jurisdiction of the State of Palestine over both Gaza and the West Bank, stressing the importance of unified institutions in the pursuit of an independent Palestinian state.
During a meeting held in Ramallah on Sunday with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Prime Minister Mustafa discussed the latest developments in Palestine and explored avenues for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Mustafa highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, a consequence of the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in approximately 70,000 casualties and the destruction of an estimated 350,000 housing units, along with significant damage to infrastructure. He stated that the reconstruction process is estimated to require a substantial investment of $70 billion.
The Prime Minister also addressed the challenging economic conditions in the West Bank, attributing them to measures aimed at undermining Palestinian institutions and the government. He cited the continued withholding of Palestinian tax revenues and actions against Palestinian towns, villages, and refugee camps.
Prime Minister Mustafa asserted that the Palestinian government, from its inception, has been committed to a comprehensive national program for development and institutional reform, comprising 60 key initiatives. This program is designed to modernize institutional, legislative, and economic structures, as well as various sectors, to enhance the quality of services provided to the Palestinian people.
