Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh discussed today with German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy and Energy Robert Habeck the political situation in Palestine and the ongoing Israeli escalation.
During a meeting in Ramallah, they also tackled bilateral relations and Germany’s support for energy projects in Palestine.
Shtayyeh briefed Habeck on the Israeli escalation in Jerusalem, providing protection for the settlers’ incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the policy of executing innocents, including Palestinian women and children.
The Prime Minister said that anger prevails in Palestine due to the Israeli escalation, the political vacuum, the double international standards, the silence towards what is happening in Palestine, the economic consequences of international crises and the rise in prices.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of providing German support to enhance Palestine’s dependence on renewable energy, especially in the refugee camps.
In a joint press conference following the meeting, Shtayyeh said they touched on many issues related to the political vacuum and the need to fill this vacuum, in addition to the role the international community can play in order to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people as well as creating political horizons.
“We and Germany stand in a firm position on the protection of international law, human rights and the two-state solution on the 1967 borders,” he stressed.
“We discussed issues related to bilateral relations, economic, environmental and energy issues, and the Palestinian-German relations, which are based on friendship, respect for international law and the spirit of joint cooperation between the two countries,” Shtayyeh added.
The Prime Minister noted that Germany is one of the most important donors to the Palestinian people, whether through the European Union, or directly, adding that its aid covers various aspects.
Shtayyeh called on Germany to pressure Israel to allow elections to be held in all Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, in accordance with the signed agreements.
“The region needs European, German and international intervention,” he said, stressing that Palestine deserves to be a state recognized by the international community, and the Palestinian people deserve to live in their independent state.
“We are living in a situation in which the Israeli policy is based on shooting with the intention of killing, and this was represented by the killing of many children, a number of women, journalists and innocent people. We are in contact with the international community and with the United Nations seeking international protection for our people who are suffering under occupation,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
He stressed that Israel is responsible for the escalation, the incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, the checkpoints, the confiscation of land and the blockade on the Gaza Strip, demanding the international community provide protection for the Palestinian people.
For his part, the German minister said ending the conflict can be achieved through the two-state solution, noting that he discussed with Shtayyeh ways to create conditions to outline a path for a political solution.
He added that his country has great support for development projects in Palestine, adding that the two sides discussed ways to support the energy sector, especially providing solar energy in the Palestinian refugee camps.
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA)