Sheikh Receives the Consul General of the Kingdom of Belgium to Palestine and Discusses Political Developments and Conditions

Ramallah - Afaq News - His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, Hussein Sheikh, received today, Thursday, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Belgium to the State of Palestine, Ambassador Anick Van Calster, and the Deputy Consul General, Ms. Nadia Benini, to discuss the latest political and field developments, as well as several issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Sheikh reviewed the difficult political, security, and economic conditions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, in light of the ongoing attacks by settlers, settlement expansion, and Israeli measures targeting citizens and their properties, in addition to the continued detention of Palestinian funds, and the resulting economic and living repercussions on our people and the ability of the Palestinian government to meet its obligations.

The two sides also discussed the preparations underway for the Palestinian electoral entitlement, and Sheikh emphasized the importance of conducting elections according to the approved legal and constitutional frameworks, ensuring their integrity and transparency, and enhancing Palestinian democratic life and the unity of the political system and national institutions. In this context, Sheikh appreciated the positions of the Kingdom of Belgium supporting the Palestinian people, stressing the importance of continuing joint cooperation and coordination, and supporting efforts aimed at protecting the Palestinian people, enhancing their resilience, and empowering their national institutions.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the catastrophic humanitarian conditions it has caused. Sheikh stressed the necessity of intensifying international efforts to stop the war, alleviate the suffering of our people in Gaza, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and initiate recovery and reconstruction efforts, in a way that preserves the unity of the land, the people, and the Palestinian political system.

For her part, the Belgian Consul General affirmed her country's continued support for the Palestinian people, and her commitment to continuing cooperation with Palestinian institutions and enhancing bilateral relations in various fields.