Palestinian Prime Minister Seeks New Financial Support at UN Meeting to Alleviate Ongoing Crisis
The Palestinian government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, is set to seek new financial support at the upcoming Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) meeting in New York. This meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, aims to address the ongoing financial crisis faced by the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Shtayyeh plans to present the government’s financial needs to donor countries at the meeting. He intends to highlight the money deducted by Israel, the government’s reform plan, and the Palestinian development plan for the next five years. The government has prepared financial and legal files to persuade donor countries to pump money into its financially troubled treasury and to halt the deductions made by Israel from its tax revenue funds.
The Palestinian government’s financial reform plan, implemented last year, includes measures such as retiring thousands of employees to reduce the wage bill. The government also seeks to reach an understanding with Israel to stop these deductions and to support the growth of the Palestinian economy, including economic projects in Area C.
The ongoing financial crisis is said to be the worst since the establishment of the Palestinian government. Israel’s continued deduction of Palestinian tax funds, the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, and a decline in foreign support have all contributed to this crisis. As a result, the government has been unable to pay full salaries to civil and military servants for the second consecutive year.
Furthermore, the Palestinian government aims to mobilize support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which is also facing a financial crisis. UNRWA needs $1.6 billion for the current year, and the hope is that the donor conference will secure additional funding to bridge this gap.
Overall, the Palestinian government is seeking new financial support and the restoration of previous funding to alleviate the ongoing crisis. By participating in the AHLC meeting and presenting their financial needs, they aim to garner support from donor countries and ensure the stability and development of the Palestinian economy.
In conclusion, the Palestinian Prime Minister’s presence at the AHLC meeting in New York signifies the urgent need for financial assistance. The government hopes that this meeting will result in new support and the cessation of deductions by Israel, ultimately providing much-needed relief to the struggling Palestinian government and its people.
