Ramallah – Prime Minister’s Office – In its ninth session, the Council of Ministers discussed several important issues, primarily the intensive international contacts and efforts being undertaken by the leadership and government to halt the genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and to enhance relief and humanitarian efforts. It also addressed international engagements and contacts to curb assaults and incursions into Palestinian villages and towns in the West Bank and Jerusalem by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers.

Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mustafa further briefed the Cabinet on the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting of International Partners on Palestine in Brussels, the substantial support garnered for the government's reform and relief programs, and the evolving international pro-Palestine positions in support of the Palestinian people. Mustafa also highlighted the recognition of the State of Palestine by new European countries, as well as the diplomatic efforts being exerted in coordination with other nations to secure further recognition soon, expressing profound gratitude to Spain, Ireland, and Norway for their recognition of the State of Palestine.

Regarding the financial situation, Mustafa pointed out that international efforts to pressure Israel into releasing withheld Palestinian tax funds are ongoing, with positive indications that some countries may contribute financially to bolster further relief efforts for the Palestinian people, address urgent needs, and support the general budget. Consequently, pending the release of these funds, the government will only be able to pay its employees part of their monthly salary ahead of Eid al-Adha, due to the crippling financial crisis caused by Israel’s illegal withholding of and deductions from the Palestinian clearance revenues, which rendered the government unable to pay full salary. 

Additionally, the Council of Ministers reviewed a report submitted by the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs concerning the situation in the city of Jerusalem and the al-Aqsa Mosque. The report highlighted the increasing daily settler incursions, particularly those by the extremist Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, into the courtyards of al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the Israeli demolition notices against Palestinian homes and structures, Israeli occupation forces’ raids, arrests of scores of Palestinian citizens, and efforts to strengthen the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the Jerusalem Governorate.