02/09/2019
The Cabinet announces launching the first agricultural cluster in Qalqilya tomorrow at a worth of $23 million
In his opening statement, ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting held in Ramallah today, Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh announced launching the first agricultural cluster in Qalqilya on Tuesday, at a worth of $23 million in partnership with the private sector, civil society, and municipalities. This step is part of the government’s policy to promote the national product, substitute imports, and strengthen the steadfastness of Palestinian citizens on their own land. “Qalqilya, Tulkarem, Jenin and Tubas should be Palestine’s vegetable and fruit grove. Along with our partners, we will invest $23 million in Qalqilya cluster,” Dr. Shtayyeh stated.
In this context, Prime Minister Dr. Shtayyeh stressed that the steadfastness of Palestinian citizens on their land is important as the path of confronting the Israeli settlement in the United Nations and the international forums. Therefore, Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on all citizens, especially landowners to invest and cultivate their lands announcing that the government will provide required facilities and assistance.
In a different context, Prime Minister Shtayyeh condemned the repeated Israeli attacks against the Al-Aqsa Mosque that affirm the intention of Israel to impose a new reality. Dr. Shtayyeh also deplored the latest Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq demanding the world to curb Israel to stop its barbaric aggression. “We have heard the announcement of the Israeli prime minister on annexing parts of the West Bank, which is very dangerous for it will bring the conflict in Palestine to its early stages. We call on the European countries and the international community to recognize Palestinian refugees’ right of return and the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital,” Dr. Shtayyeh told.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shtayyeh called upon the international community to renew the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) as it deals with refugees’ affairs, and called for enhancing its financial and institutional role.
To conclude, Prime Minister Shtayyeh clarified that the financial crisis with Israel is still going on emphasizing that Israel continues deducting our tax funds.
