Palestinian PM calls for forming int'l front to end Israeli occupation, protect two-state solution

RAMALLAH - Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye on Sunday called for forming an international front to pressure Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories and protect the two-state solution.

Ishtaye made the remarks during a meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah with Maya Tissafi, assistant state secretary of the Swiss foreign ministry and head of the Middle East and North Africa Department, according to a statement from Ishtaye's office.

"Forming an international front to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation is very important," said Ishtaye, who called on Switzerland to recognize the state of Palestine.

He also called on Switzerland and the international community to pressure Israel to abide by and respect the signed peace agreements and stop all its measures and violations in the Palestinian territories.

"Providing international protection for the Palestinian people is essential," Ishtaye noted.

The statement said Ishtaye and Tissafi also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Palestine.

They highlighted the importance of joint coordination to support Palestine in creating job opportunities and economic development.

Also on Sunday, Ishtaye said in an interview with the state-run Palestine TV that the European Union is scheduled to vote on resuming the European aid to the Palestinians on Monday.

A total of 23 European foreign ministers sent a message to the EU saying the aid to Palestine should be resumed without conditions, according to the Palestinian prime minister.

"We hope that the vote will come with satisfactory results regarding the aid that we have not received since 2021," Ishtaye noted. - XINHUA