Palestinian Prime Minister calls on the European Union to take serious steps to halt the occupation's escalation against Palestinians

Ramallah, August 31 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa on Monday called on the European Union to take serious and concrete steps to halt the dangerous escalation of attacks by Israeli occupation settlers and the confiscation of land. The Prime Minister’s office said in a statement that this appeal came during a meeting between Mustafa and Christophe Bertaud, the European Union’s Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, at his office in Ramallah. The statement added that the Palestinian prime minister urged pressure on the Israeli occupation to release Palestinian funds that have been withheld for the 17th consecutive month, noting that the situation has reached dangerous and unprecedented levels, alongside restrictions on freedom of movement and the barring of workers. Mustafa outlined efforts to hold the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections in November, emphasizing the importance of international support to overcome challenges and remove obstacles to ensure the elections take place on schedule and with participation from Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. The statement noted that Bertaud reaffirmed the European position opposing settler attacks and all illegal Israeli measures, calling for the protection of Palestinians, as well as support for Palestinian efforts to prepare for the upcoming elections. (End) N.Q. / M.A.H.A.