Benjamin Saoul meets with new Palestinian ministers in Gaza
British Deputy Consul General met with the four ministers in the new Palestinian interim technocratic government who are based in Gaza.
The British Deputy Consul General in Jerusalem, Benjamin Saoul, met yesterday with the four ministers in the new Palestinian interim technocratic government who are based in Gaza.
Benjamin Saoul met with Minister of Women’s Affairs Haifa al-Agha, Minister of Labour Mamoun Abu Shahla, Minister of Justice Salim al-Saqqa, and Minister of Public Work and Housing Mufeed al-Hasayneh. The Deputy Consul General reiterated the UK’s support for the new Palestinian government based on the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and respect for previous agreements. The Ministers reaffirmed on their part the Palestinian government’s commitment to these principles.
The discussion also covered the urgent need to improve the situation inside Gaza through lifting movement and access restrictions, and the challenges of re-unifying the West Bank and Gaza under one government.
Deputy Consul General Benjamin said:
Today, in person I congratulated the four new Palestinian Ministers in Gaza on their appointment. I welcomed their explicit commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and respect for previous agreements.
These Ministers are not just representatives of Gaza - they are representatives of the entire Palestinian people. So it is essential that these Ministers are able to visit their Ministries in the West Bank.
I assured them of Britain’s support. I made clear our view that the situation in Gaza is unacceptable and must change. We agreed to work together to improve life for the people of Gaza. This is a fundamental Palestinian interest, and Britain stands ready to help.