Mustafa: Rebuilding Gaza, Unifying the Nation, and Launching the National Economy are the Main Priorities for the Next Phase

Hebron - Afaq News - Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa stated that the announcement by the leaders of the occupation to commence the "decisive battle" is still ongoing, and that the Palestinian people experience the effects of this daily, pointing out that the war crimes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of 74,000 Palestinians and caused destruction that requires approximately $73 billion for reconstruction.

This came during his speech at the opening of the Palestine Construction Industries Exhibition today, Saturday, in Hebron, in the presence of the Governor of Hebron, and the Ministers of Interior, Industry, Public Works and Housing, Culture, the Head of the Land Authority, the Chairman of the Engineers Syndicate, and several official and notable figures. Mustafa pointed out that the war on the national economy has led to a decline in its value by about 30%, returning it to the level it was at 15 years ago, in addition to an increase in unemployment rates to about 50%.

Regarding financial piracy, Mustafa stated that the occupation has confiscated and withheld more than 20 billion shekels from Palestinian tax revenues, which has limited the government's ability to provide essential services to citizens, noting that these funds have not been transferred for 18 months.

He affirmed that the past years, with all the challenges they carried, have not weakened the resolve of the Palestinian people nor subdued them, pointing out that this is due to the collective will possessed by the people, leadership, and various components of society.

Mustafa emphasized that "steadfastness alone is not enough," stressing the necessity of preparing for a new phase to rebuild a Palestinian national economy, led by the private sector, with support and empowerment from the government, and assistance from regional and international partners.

He stated that the government will not be satisfied with addressing emergency matters, but is preparing for the upcoming phase of construction, calling on everyone to be ready to contribute to the rebuilding process.

Mustafa explained that the government has begun working on five main priorities for the upcoming phase, aimed at building the nation and achieving independence and sovereignty. First, protecting the land and enhancing resilience by thwarting Israeli plans, and enabling citizens to continue to stay and endure. Second, rebuilding the Gaza Strip and unifying the homeland by creating favorable conditions for the reconstruction of the sector and effectively managing the transitional phase towards complete unity between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, leading to the establishment and realization of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Prime Minister added: "Third, re-launching the national economy on new foundations that rely more on self-sufficiency, particularly in the fields of national production and energy, in addition to preparing for a qualitative digital transformation that contributes to improving services and expanding job opportunities for youth.

Mustafa emphasized the importance of establishing balanced economic relations with neighboring countries, particularly the economic relationship with Israel, which he described as "unbalanced and unjust, harming our Palestinian national economy," stressing the need to address this reality.

The Prime Minister continued: "Fourth, completing the reform and development program, which contributes to enhancing citizen trust and better safeguarding public funds. Fifth, building on political and diplomatic achievements, and official and popular international support, and transforming that into action on the ground and the realization of the state towards complete independence.

Mustafa confirmed that these priorities represent a path out of the difficult reality, emphasizing the necessity of not just addressing urgent matters and remaining in a state of emergency, but rather working on building the future, revitalizing the national economy, and completing the program of freedom and independence.

At the end of his speech, the Prime Minister extended greetings to our steadfast people throughout the homeland, to the people of Hebron, especially the Old Town and Masafer Yatta, and to all the population centers in the governorate, and to everyone working for the freedom, independence, and prosperity of Palestine.