GAZA WILL RISE FROM THE RUBBLE - PALESTINIAN PM

RAMALLAH, May 9  (Bernama-WAFA) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on Thursday expressed his deep appreciation for the European Union’s unwavering support for the two-State solution and the establishment of the independent Palestinian state. 

According to Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA), he affirmed that the EU’s principled stance offers the Palestinian people and leadership renewed hope that their legitimate rights will not be forgotten.

Speaking during Europe Day celebrations in Ramallah, in the presence of EU Representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzmann and a host of diplomatic, official, and public figures, the Prime Minister extended his gratitude to the EU and its Member States for their consistent and longstanding political, financial, and economic support for Palestine, including their backing to the Palestinian Government and its programs.

“This is a message of partnership that we are proud of,” Prime Minister Mustafa stated. “It is a message of support that reinforces Europe’s commitment to working alongside Palestine and international partners in pursuit of freedom and independence.”

He welcomed the EU’s leadership - together with Saudi Arabia and Norway - of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, culminating in the upcoming international conference in New York in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

“This will mark a historic political milestone in our struggle to realise the independent Palestinian State,” he said. “Europe’s active role comes at a time when some claim that the two-State solution is no longer viable. This position is both deeply valued and critically important.”

The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the recent joint statement by senior EU Commissioners responsible for foreign policy, the Mediterranean region, and crisis and migration affairs.

Additionally, he expressed appreciation for the statement that was issued against Israel’s practices in Gaza, including the persistent siege and use of starvation as a weapon of war and forced displacement.

“We declared Gaza a famine-stricken area Wednesday,” the Prime Minister said. “It deeply saddens us that in today’s world - where justice, human rights, and international law are often touted - our people are being starved to death. This is a disgrace and profound moral failure. But Gaza will endure. It will rise from the rubble, and it will stand tall - united with Jerusalem and the West Bank - in the realisation of our independent state. That is our promise for today, tomorrow, and the future.”

He further denounced the closure of UNRWA  (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) schools in Jerusalem’s Shu’fat refugee camp by the Israeli occupation forces, stressing it is a deliberate attempt to deny Palestinian children their right to education.

In his remarks, EU Representative Alexander Stutzmann reiterated the EU’s urgent call on Israel to lift the siege on Gaza, declaring: “Humanitarian aid must not be politicised or militarised. It must reach the civilians who need it.”

Stutzmann also announced a renewed EU commitment to the Palestinian people through a multi-year support program worth up to €1.6 billion over the next three years. “We are more committed than ever to engaging with and supporting the Palestinian people - financially, politically, and consistently. We will not abandon you,” he said.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA