Ramallah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa opened the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, emphasizing the necessity for government institutions to operate at full capacity to address the urgent needs of citizens, particularly in areas under attack, amidst increasing crimes by colonist gangs and Israeli forces.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Cabinet expressed concern over the rising colonist violence across multiple governorates, highlighting repeated assaults on locations such as Al-Mughayyir, Tell, Sarra, Beit Dajan, Khala'il al-Luz, and Masafer Yatta. Data from the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission indicated that 504 attacks were executed by colonist gangs and Israeli occupation forces within the past week alone.
The incidents include substantial demolition activities on the Jenin-Nablus road, along with confiscation orders for over 316 dunams of land issued in a single week, as reported by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission.
In addition, the Cabinet underscored the importance of ensuring the safe and consistent delivery of aid and basic necessities to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, covering essentials such as food, water, shelter, and medicine. This comes in light of international reports cautioning about severe shortages and the worsening plight of displaced persons, especially those living in tents, due to heat waves and repeated displacement.
The opening of the North Gaza Field Hospital by the Palestine Red Crescent Society was welcomed by the Cabinet. This event occurred yesterday under the auspices of the Prime Minister via video conference, marking the sixth hospital established and operated by the Society.
A virtual tour conducted by the Prime Minister days earlier aimed to monitor the progress of various projects, including housing, debris removal, water well construction and repair, and economic recovery initiatives, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In related developments, the Cabinet highlighted an urgent appeal issued on Monday by the Ministries of Social Development and Relief to the international community, UN and humanitarian organizations, and donor agencies. The appeal seeks support for thousands of families who have lost income sources and productive assets, particularly those engaged in small businesses, trades, crafts, and self-employment. The support is intended to aid recovery, restore income streams, and bolster families' self-reliance and resilience amid the ongoing crisis.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved recommendations from a committee reviewing legislation governing the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Discussions were held on a special system regulating the import of new and used vehicles, engineering equipment, and trailers, aimed at enhancing transparency, ensuring equal opportunities, and safeguarding buyer rights.
Further steps included renewing contracts with law firms and legal services to strengthen legal defense efforts in the Jerusalem Governorate, responding to escalating attacks through illegal demolition and confiscation orders by the Israeli occupation.
The Cabinet also adopted recommendations from the Permanent Ministerial Reform Committee, particularly those concerning the electronic procurement system in government institutions, which was discussed to ensure enhanced transparency and equal opportunities.
Lastly, the Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Technology of Turkey and the Ministry of Industry of Palestine, aiming to enhance cooperation in the industrial sector.