Ramallah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa commenced the weekly Cabinet session on Tuesday by acknowledging the resilience of Palestinian citizens in villages affected by Israeli occupation forces and colonial settlers. He urged government institutions to accelerate efforts to address immediate needs in these areas, emphasizing the importance of ongoing ministerial visits to expedite emergency allocations for strengthening village resilience.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Prime Minister specifically called for the swift disbursement of emergency funds to the villages of Kufr al-Dik and Bruqin, located west of Salfit in the northern West Bank. He also highlighted the urgent requirements of Qusra, south of Nablus, to reinforce its citizens' steadfastness. These actions follow aid provided to other impacted villages, such as Umm Safa, which faces significant settlement pressures northwest of Ramallah.
In a broader context, the Cabinet confirmed its commitment to ensuring the general elections scheduled for November 28 proceed smoothly. It emphasized the need for citizens to update their records and complete registration for the elections. The Cabinet also noted significant progress in the national reform program, aiming to enhance state institutions' efficiency and lay the groundwork for a unified Palestinian state in line with international resolutions.
The Cabinet raised alarms over increasing attacks by colonial settler militias, backed by Israeli occupation forces. With 467 attacks recorded in the past week, alongside demolitions affecting over 75 Palestinian structures, the Cabinet called on international actors to hold Israel accountable and prevent further escalation. It stressed the importance of maintaining a ceasefire, facilitating recovery and reconstruction, and restoring Palestinian dignity and security.
During the meeting, the Minister of Finance updated the Cabinet on financial conditions, assuring that salary disbursements were expected early next week, pending final arrangements. Concurrently, the Minister of Education and Higher Education outlined preparations for the new academic year, including textbook printing and classroom readiness, especially in interactive learning for younger students.
The Minister of Agriculture reported on preparations for the olive harvest, national livestock vaccination campaigns, and the procurement of vaccines to protect livestock from prevalent diseases. This includes coordination with international partners and local councils to ensure a successful harvest season.
The Cabinet approved a new National Qualifications Framework, aiming to align education with labor market demands. It also endorsed an agreement with India to support vocational training, focusing on specialized skills development.
Lastly, the Cabinet declared August 25, 2026, an official holiday for the Mawlid al-Nabawi al-Sharif and extended greetings to the Palestinian people, expressing hopes for a future of security and independence.