Luxembourg – April 14, 2025 – Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa delivered a powerful message on Monday, declaring that the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank is more than a war—it’s a campaign to erase an entire people and their cause. He stressed that true peace cannot be achieved without accountability, specifically calling for Israel to be held responsible for what he described as grave violations of international law.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the conclusion of the first-ever EU-Palestine High-Level Political Dialogue in Luxembourg, Mustafa appeared alongside EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Dubravka Šuica. The historic dialogue was attended by foreign ministers from all 27 EU member states.
“Europe has long supported the two-State solution. That support must now translate into tangible actions to end the prolonged Israeli occupation,” Mustafa said. He expressed appreciation for EU countries that have recognized the State of Palestine and urged others to follow suit, noting, “Two states cannot coexist if one continues to dominate the other.”
The Prime Minister warned that Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaken the Palestinian Authority—economically, politically, and institutionally—pose a serious risk not just to Palestinian governance but to broader regional stability. He also emphasized the critical role of UNRWA in sustaining Palestinian lives and maintaining balance in the region.
Mustafa painted a stark picture of the humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since October 2023, and large swathes of infrastructure lie in ruins. In the West Bank, he highlighted increasing land confiscations and forced displacement, warning of Israel’s attempts to alter Palestine’s demographic landscape.
“We are not here to place blame,” he asserted, “but to seek truth and demand justice. Peace is impossible without accountability. Israel must answer for its actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Continued silence will only fuel further impunity.”
Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Mustafa said it must not be viewed as a political negotiation, but a life-saving necessity. He stressed that aid must be allowed to reach civilians without restrictions, and efforts must begin for the comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza.
He pointed to the Arab League’s reconstruction initiative—supported by the EU and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation—as a viable path forward to rebuild Gaza without displacing its population. Mustafa said the high-level dialogue in Luxembourg marked not just a diplomatic milestone but a turning point in building a strategic partnership between Palestine and the European Union, particularly through the New Pact for the Mediterranean and the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Programme.
The Prime Minister also advocated for the finalization of a full Association Agreement between Palestine and the EU, similar to those the bloc has with other regional partners.
Highlighting reforms within the Palestinian Government, Mustafa reported that over 50 institutional, fiscal, and administrative reforms have already been implemented during his government’s first year. He urged European governments to pressure Israel into releasing Palestinian tax revenues, which he said are critical to sustaining public services.
Mustafa further called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, stressing the need for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and for the Palestinian Authority to resume its governance role in Gaza post-transition.
He concluded by spotlighting the importance of the upcoming reconstruction conference in Cairo and the high-level international meeting in June—co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia—as key opportunities to mobilize urgent global action in support of the two-State solution.
Expressing gratitude to the EU and its member states for their ongoing support, Mustafa urged Europe to take bold action: “From bloodshed to ceasefire, from destruction to reconstruction, from occupation to liberation, and from war to peace—the time to act is now.”
