Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has accused Israel of attempting to escalat the conflict in West Bank, emphasizing that his administration is engaged in diplomatic initiatives aimed at halting the war and preventing what he termed a "new occupation" of the Gaza Strip.
During a visit to Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, where he interacted with local activists and organizations, Mustafa said, "We are exerting every effort to ensure security, as well as economic and financial stability in the West Bank, despite the occupation's endeavors to shift the conflict from Gaza to our region," as reported by his office.
In this regard, he highlighted "the systematic operations occurring in the northern West Bank, particularly targeting refugee camps, which aim to resolve the refugee issue, alongside the imposition of a financial blockade through deductions from clearance funds, as well as closures, checkpoints, and hindrances to movement."
He further remarked, "We are encountering challenges in the overall situation due to the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and its reoccupation by Israel, in addition to efforts to create a divide between the West Bank and Gaza, which seeks to undermine the realization of an independent Palestinian state."
Mustafa asserted that the Gaza Strip is integral to the Palestinian state, alongside Jerusalem and other Palestinian territories, stating that there can be no state without Gaza, nor can there be a state solely in Gaza.
He noted that once the conflict concludes, efforts will be made to politically, geographically, and institutionally reunite Gaza and the West Bank under the auspices of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is actively pursuing all diplomatic channels and initiatives, following directives, to cease hostilities and protect the Gaza Strip from the "new occupation," while prioritizing humanitarian relief and initiating reconstruction efforts, as well as unifying institutions.
Since October 7, 2023, the West Bank has experienced rising tensions, resulting in the deaths of over 750 Palestinians.
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