The Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa announced on Friday that Palestinians are ready to govern Gaza from Sunday, coinciding with the start of the truce in the Middle East, Belga News Agency reports.
"We have a 100-day plan that can be implemented immediately," stated Mustafa after a meeting with outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) in Brussels. De Croo called for lasting peace in the region.
The meeting – planned before Wednesday's agreement between Hamas and Israel – occurred at a crucial time. De Croo expressed hope that violence would cease immediately and that the first hostages would be released by Sunday. He emphasised the immense suffering endured by Gaza's residents during this inhumane period.
The negotiated ceasefire is set to take effect on Sunday, when Palestinians will regain control of the Gaza Strip. Mustafa, returning to Ramallah (West Bank) on the same day, confirmed that he has a plan for the territory, which has been under Israeli bombardment for 15 months.
"Palestinian ministers have clear instructions on what to do as soon as the truce begins. We have a 100-day plan. Ministers of health, education, water, and electricity will lead their teams to provide humanitarian aid as swiftly as possible. We hope the security situation will allow it. This depends on the behaviour of the Israelis in the coming days, but we will be as ready as possible."
I expressed our support for the ceasefire agreement to PM Mohammed Mustafa @PalestinePMO
This is a pivotal opportunity to release the remaining hostages and provide urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza. A postwar peace based on a two-state solution is the only way forward for all. pic.twitter.com/mkakz5zApc — Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) January 17, 2025
Both De Croo and his counterpart stressed the importance of enduring peace in the region.
"We want more than a ceasefire, we want peace in the region," said Mustafa, echoed by the Belgian Prime Minister. De Croo reiterated his support for a two-state solution that would enable Israelis to live in peace and Palestinians to take control of their future.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also met with Mustafa on Thursday following the news of the ceasefire agreement.
"Our immediate priority must be on ensuring that the agreement holds and that its aims are met: stopping the conflict, getting aid in, getting hostages back to their families. That must become the stepping stone to lasting stability, peace, re-building, and getting services back up and running," she said on social media.
"The day after must bring new hope. We will get there."
Good talks in the European Parliament with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in the immediate hours after a deal was sealed for a ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages.
Grateful for his insight and kind words. Our immediate priority must be on ensuring that the… pic.twitter.com/9KnuSFxQLZ — Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 16, 2025
