Gaza Herald – Palestinian Finance Minister Stephan Saadeh stated that the international community is obligated to provide additional assistance to the Palestinian people. This appeal comes as authorities remain unable to recover tax revenues withheld by Israel for seventeen consecutive months.
Speaking virtually at the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, Saadeh emphasized that the ongoing blockade on these funds jeopardizes the capacity of public institutions to deliver essential services. The committee convened alongside the eighty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Palestinian delegation could not attend in person due to a negative stance taken by the United States. Despite this absence, Saadeh expressed gratitude to donor nations for their contributions while stressing that current aid levels are insufficient given the existential risks facing Palestinians.
He highlighted that continued seizure of tax revenues, coupled with Israeli restrictions on movement and trade, exacerbates economic instability. These measures threaten the viability of Palestinian institutions and the ability of citizens to remain on their land.
Participants in the meeting commended twelve countries, including Britain, for taking bold steps against illegal settlements and settler violence in occupied territories. These actions were viewed as significant moves toward addressing the occupation’s impact on regional stability.
Regarding Gaza, Saadeh urged attention to early recovery plans developed jointly by the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations. He noted that ambiguity persists regarding security and political conditions, particularly as some European donors distance themselves from the peace process.
Attendees reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution and called for halting actions undermining it. They advocated unifying Gaza and the West Bank under a single Palestinian entity, maintaining ceasefires, facilitating aid delivery, and supporting democratic processes including elections.
The group also stressed adherence to international law and UN resolutions. Emphasis was placed on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring basic services, and ensuring long-term sustainability for Palestinian governance structures amid ongoing challenges.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
