RAMALLAH, February 17, 2026 | Government Communication Center — Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa affirmed at the onset of the weekly Cabinet session on Tuesday that the Government continues to fulfill its responsibilities toward our people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, including the payment of public sector salaries and the continuation of field interventions in health, education, water, and other essential sectors. He called for intensified international efforts to bolster relief and early recovery operations as a pathway toward full reconstruction.

During the session held in Ramallah, the Palestinian Cabinet warned of the dangers of Israel’s so-called “land registration” decision, describing it as a unilateral step that risks fueling further conflict and undermining prospects for stability. It considered the move a clear evasion of international commitments and agreements, and an attempt to impose new facts on the ground by entrenching gradual annexation in the West Bank.

The Cabinet called on the international community, as well as Arab and Islamic states, to adopt more effective and firm measures in response to occupation policies, ensuring a halt to such actions and holding Israel, the occupying Power, accountable for its violations, in order to protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and uphold international law.

The Cabinet further condemned escalating measures in the West Bank, particularly land seizures and home demolitions in Jerusalem Governorate, including demolition notices issued for 40 homes in the town of Anata, northeast of Jerusalem. It also denounced intensified military incursions, arrests, and tightened movement restrictions across several areas.

Regarding the tragic incident in the northern West Bank town of Tammun, in which two children lost their lives by mistake, the Cabinet expressed its profound condolences to the family, noting that their passing has deeply saddened the entire Palestinian people. The Cabinet emphasized the need to complete investigations with full transparency and responsibility, to uphold the rule of law, and to take the necessary measures to ensure justice and safeguard citizens’ lives and security.

On a different note, the Cabinet reviewed the general framework of an exceptional 2026 budget currently under preparation in consultation with government institutions, the advisory council of the Ministry of Finance, and relevant civil society organizations. The proposals will undergo further examination before detailed Cabinet deliberation in preparation for submission to the President.

Despite the severe Israeli financial blockade and difficult economic conditions, the government continues to advance its strategic development plans. The Cabinet approved recommendations of the Technical Committee for the Management of State Property, including: Allocating government land in Jericho to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing for the construction of a government services complex; allocating land in Deir Istiya to the Industrial Estates & Free Zones Authority for the establishment of an industrial zone; and allocating land to the Ministry of Health for the construction of the Health Directorate building in the southern West Bank city of Halhul.

The Cabinet also approved the renewal of contracts for employees of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, reinforcing Palestinian presence and stewardship at the holy site. It further instructed relevant authorities to intensify political and diplomatic engagement to confront and expose occupation violations at the international level.