Stresses the need for increased international pressure on Israel to release withheld Palestinian clearance revenues

Presents an overview of the Government's reform and development program, particularly in public financial management, governance, and social protection

Explores ways to strengthen EU–Palestine relations and expand economic, trade, and political cooperation

Discusses enhancing support for relief, early recovery, and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip

Kallas: The EU remains committed to supporting the Palestinian reform agenda, Gaza reconstruction efforts, and Palestinian institutions

BRUSSELS, July 12, 2026 | Prime Minister’s Office— Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa met on Sunday evening in Brussels with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the latest political developments and the evolving situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance Dr. Estephan Salameh, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, Amal Jadou Shakaa, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Ambassador Omar Awadallah.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted the grave Israeli escalation in the West Bank, particularly the unprecedented rise in colonial settler attacks and violence against Palestinians, including assaults targeting villages and towns. These attacks have reached unprecedented levels amid the support provided by Israeli ministers who exercise extensive authority over the occupied West Bank.

The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to release the unlawfully withheld Palestinian clearance revenues, enabling the Government to meet its obligations toward the Palestinian people and sustain the provision of essential public services. He also reaffirmed Palestine's categorical rejection of any arrangements that undermine its legitimate financial rights.

Prime Minister Mustafa further stressed the importance of increasing international pressure on Israel to open the crossings into the Gaza Strip and facilitate the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid convoys, as well as early recovery and reconstruction materials, in light of the catastrophic humanitarian conditions and the worsening suffering of the Palestinian people in the war-ravaged Strip. He also underscored the importance of enhanced European support for the Gaza recovery plan.

The two leaders also discussed preparations for the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections. Prime Minister Mustafa emphasized that holding elections constitutes a democratic entitlement that strengthens legitimacy and enables citizens to freely choose their representatives.

Prime Minister Mustafa also presented an overview of the Government's ongoing reform and development program, particularly in the areas of public financial management, governance, and social protection. He noted that international assessment reports have confirmed the Government's commitment to transparency and reform, including the modernization of the social assistance payment system to ensure that benefits are allocated exclusively on the basis of need. He affirmed that the Government will continue implementing and advancing its reform program in close coordination with the European Union and international partners.

The meeting also addressed ways to deepen bilateral relations between Palestine and the European Union and expand cooperation across the economic, trade, and political spheres. Prime Minister Mustafa stressed that strengthening the partnership with the European Union would contribute to supporting the Palestinian economy and enhancing the resilience and capacity of Palestinian institutions.