Palestinian Prime Minister Emphasizes the Necessity of Implementing the Second Phase of the Ceasefire in Gaza

Ramallah, August 19 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stressed today the necessity of doubling international efforts and pressures to implement the second phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, launch a recovery and reconstruction process, halt all Israeli occupation measures in the West Bank, and release Palestinian tax revenues withheld for over 16 months. This came during Mustafa’s meeting with a delegation from the German Parliament in Ramallah, led by Simetgi Müller, deputy chair of the Social Democratic Party parliamentary group, to review the latest developments and field situations in Palestine, the ongoing war against the Palestinian people in Gaza, and Israeli measures in the West Bank, according to a statement issued by his office.

The second phase entails the occupation forces withdrawing to lines outside populated areas, the National Authority for the Management of Gaza assuming its duties, and the gradual lifting of restrictions on crossings, followed by the start of reconstruction.

Mustafa warned of the catastrophic situation in Gaza, noting that relief and recovery operations are hampered by Israeli occupation obstacles, as well as shortages of supplies, medical equipment, fuel, and food. He reiterated his call on the international community not to allow the suffering of the Palestinian people to be exploited as a bargaining chip in Israeli elections.

Mustafa highlighted the efforts made by the government in Gaza to provide essential services despite limited resources, particularly the work of government teams in health, education, water network repair, rubble clearance, and other interventions carried out in partnership with local and international institutions, including United Nations agencies.

He commended Germany’s stance supporting the two-state solution, its rejection of various illegal measures against the Palestinian people, and its continued provision of humanitarian aid and development and infrastructure projects in various sectors.

The statement noted that the delegation reaffirmed Germany’s support for realizing the two-state solution and its continued provision of humanitarian and relief assistance to the Palestinian people, particularly through the United Nations’ Recovery and Early Reconstruction Fund for Gaza. (End) N.Q./T.M.A.