Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said that a ceasefire in Gaza is essential but insufficient to address the core of the Palestinian issue.
In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Riyadh, he stressed that the ceasefire agreement and the New York Declaration on the two-state solution - initiated by Saudi Arabia and France - constitute “two parallel tracks.”
“What truly matters,” Mustafa said, “is the realization of a Palestinian state and its recognition through the implementation of the New York Declaration. The ceasefire is necessary, but it is not enough.”
He revealed that some countries had conditioned their recognition of Palestine on the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, emphasizing that the Palestinian National Authority must assume the primary role in governing Gaza.
Mustafa noted that Riyadh hosted the first high-level coordination meeting of the Global Partnership for the Two-State Solution on Sunday, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the European Union. The meeting, attended by representatives of 35 countries, was the first follow-up to the New York Declaration, focusing on its implementation, including formal recognition of the Palestinian state.
“Saudi Arabia and France have worked to keep the momentum alive,” Mustafa said, “ensuring continued action to turn the declaration into a reality.”
According to Mustafa, the declaration’s annex outlines specific steps to be taken by countries, institutions, and international organizations to establish a Palestinian state within 18 months.
These steps include diplomatic recognition, legal measures, Gaza’s reconstruction, reunification with the West Bank, the deployment of an international force, Israeli withdrawal, and restructuring the economic relationship with Israel to “allow Palestinians to rebuild their economy on solid ground.”
While international commitment remains strong, several countries - including Denmark and Japan - have linked recognition to a ceasefire. Mustafa expressed hope this stance would evolve as the plan moves forward.
Toward an Independent State
Mustafa reaffirmed the Palestinian government’s support for the ceasefire, which he said would ease the suffering of Gaza’s population after years of “unforgivable crimes, killings, and destruction.” He pledged to work with regional and international partners, including United States, to sustain the ceasefire and implement the plan leading to an independent Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem as its capital.
Acknowledging the difficult road ahead, Mustafa voiced optimism that cooperation among all parties could turn the plan into reality.
Asked about the PA’s role after the ceasefire, Mustafa said efforts were already underway to gradually restore and strengthen its presence. He recalled that the PA administered Gaza after the Oslo Accords in 1993 - except for security - until Hamas took control in 2007.
In recent months, the government has established a centralized operations room in Ramallah to coordinate daily with PA employees in Gaza. Forty-two representatives from ministries, agencies, and international partners are engaged in this work.
He also highlighted the Arab and Islamic summits in Riyadh and the UN decision to form a “Community Support Committee” to manage affairs until the PA is fully reinstated in the Strip.
The committee will begin work once the ceasefire is solidified and Israeli forces withdraw, with backing from ministries and institutions.
Mustafa added that preparations are underway for an international reconstruction conference, which is expected to be hosted by Egypt next month, to secure financial support.
Security and International Support
On the security front, Mustafa expressed readiness to work with an international force to be established by the United Nations Security Council at Palestine’s request. The force would support Palestinian security agencies and help secure borders. Training would be provided by Egypt and Jordan.
Responding to questions about the PA’s future role under the US-backed ceasefire plan, he underscored that the PA’s role is “fundamental” in governance, security, and services in Gaza. This, he said, is in accordance with the Palestinian constitutional law, international law, UN resolutions, and the New York Declaration.
Mustafa acknowledged Israeli objections to this role, arguing that Israel seeks to maintain the division between Gaza and the West Bank to block statehood.
“When the opportunity arose to reunify Gaza and the West Bank under PA leadership and implement the New York Declaration, Israel responded with war, destruction, and settlement expansion,” he said. He credited international partners, including Arab states and the US, with helping to prevent formal annexation.
Institutional and Political Reforms
Mustafa highlighted ongoing institutional and political reforms. “We launched a comprehensive 30-point reform plan 15 months ago,” he said, noting that it was welcomed by the European Union and World Bank, and praised by Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister. Implementation is ahead of schedule, he added.
On the political front, President Mahmoud Abbas has announced presidential and legislative elections within a year of the ceasefire, alongside constitutional reforms and updated election laws. Mustafa noted that democratic life has been stalled by Israel’s refusal to allow elections in East Jerusalem and the loss of PA control in Gaza.
The Palestinian premier revealed that Israel is withholding more than $3 billion in Palestinian funds, blocking salary payments and private sector liquidity. He said the US has pledged to help address the issue, and European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Spain, are urging Israel to release the funds.
Deepening Ties with Saudi Arabia
The prime minister praised Saudi Arabia’s invitation to the Future Investment Initiative, describing it as a “major opportunity” to engage global business and political leaders. The Palestinian delegation will meet Saudi officials to advance agreements, moving from memoranda of understanding to concrete development programs.
He pointed to digital transformation and the digital economy as the most advanced areas of cooperation, noting alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. He also highlighted collaboration with Humain, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, to support Palestine’s national digital transformation program.
