Prime Minister Mustafa stresses need for intensified international pressure to halt Israeli genocide in Gaza and begin reconstruction

Ramallah, March 24, 2025  – Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa emphasized, on Monday, the critical need for intensified international pressure to halt Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, achieve a sustainable ceasefire, and fully open all border crossings. These steps, he stressed, are essential to implementing the reconstruction plan with the support of friendly nations and international partners, thereby restoring hope to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, held in his office in Ramallah, to discuss the latest developments in Palestine, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, as well as Israeli occupation and settler attacks in the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Mustafa also briefed Stenergard on the ongoing Israeli occupation army's attacks and incursions into the northern West Bank, which have resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure, the demolition of homes and facilities, and the forced displacement of civilians in refugee camps. He also highlighted the continued expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence, as well as Israel’s continued illegal deductions from Palestinian tax revenues.

He reaffirmed that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state, stating, “We seek an end to the occupation and the realization of our independent Palestinian state.”

Mustafa expressed appreciation for Sweden’s steadfast support for Palestine and underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in all fields.

For her part, Minister Stenergard stressed the urgency of reaching a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated Sweden’s rejection of all illegal settlement activities in accordance with international law and legitimacy. She affirmed her country’s commitment to continuing its support for Palestine and its people, particularly in humanitarian and relief efforts.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen, Palestinian Ambassador to Sweden Rula Muhaisen, and Swedish Consul General Julius Liljestrom.