Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh asserted on Monday that Palestinian leadership is independent.
He emphasized that the leadership “is not tailored to anyone,” delivering a clear response to Washington’s requests for the renewal and revitalization of the PA before it assumes control in Gaza.
“The renewed authority that Israel and its allies desire is not our authority,” said Shtayyeh at the start of a cabinet meeting in Ramallah.
“They seek an administrative security authority, while we are a national authority striving to realize statehood on the ground, leading to independence and the end of occupation,” he added.
Israel is seeking a framework that goes along with its occupation, argued the premier.
“Our national agenda designates Jerusalem as our capital, advocates the right of return in accordance with international standards, is founded on knowledge and learning, and reflects our history, civilization, and culture,” he clarified.
“Israel desires a PA that abandons detainees and martyrs, but we assert that these individuals are our children, and as a responsible government, we are accountable for the sons and daughters of martyrs and detainees. They are the conscience of the Palestinian national movement,” he declared.
Shtayyeh underlined that the PA is seeking an end to the war, aggression, and killings, as well as the raids in Gaza and the West Bank.
“In Gaza, time is marked by blood, hunger, and destruction. Halt the war now; this occupation must end,” urged the prime minister.
He stressed the importance of avoiding time-wasting maneuvers and empty rhetoric.
Shtayyeh emphasized that the renewal, revitalization, or strengthening of the PA means, for Palestinians, the ability to operate on their own land.
It involves putting an end to aggression and raids of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, cities, camps, and villages.
It entails “lifting the financial blockade and stopping unjust deductions from Palestinian funds under various pretexts,” the PM went on to say.
It also involves “halting colonization and the terrorism of settlers” and empowering Palestinians to hold elections, including in Jerusalem.
Moreover, it encompasses the implementation of the reform program the PA adopted two years ago.
