Palestinian Authority Expresses Readiness to Assume Governance and Security in Gaza, Calls for International Intervention

The Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ajabikian Barsin, called on the international community for urgent and effective intervention to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their inherent right to self-determination. Barsin affirmed during her speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva that the Palestinian Authority is fully prepared to assume governance and security responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, provided that the necessary Arab and international support is available to ensure the success of this mission.

The Minister explained that the occupying power continues to disregard all international resolutions, including the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly. She noted that the continued impunity has encouraged the occupation to persist in committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, amidst a continuous erosion of Palestinian lands and a lack of genuine accountability for systematic violations that have continued for decades.

Regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Barsin stressed that the suffocating blockade and closure of crossings aim to starve the population and prevent the delivery of essential aid. She condemned the targeting of UNRWA and relief organizations, noting that the decision to ban 37 humanitarian organizations from operating represents a clear attempt to conceal witnesses to crimes and dry up sources of protection and services provided to millions of displaced persons and refugees.

In the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, the Minister warned of the accelerating steps of de facto annexation through the expansion of settlements, confiscation of lands, and transfer of civilian powers to the occupation authorities. She reported that the occupation has established more than 1200 checkpoints and electronic gates to fragment Palestinian cities, coinciding with an escalation of settler attacks, including burning crops and forced displacement of families under the protection of army forces.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry reiterated that occupied Jerusalem is the historical and eternal capital of the State of Palestine, warning against any attempts to change its legal or demographic reality. She stressed that a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict cannot be reached without ensuring full Palestinian sovereignty over Jerusalem and stopping repeated attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city.

Regarding the issue of prisoners, Barsin revealed harsh conditions faced by detainees, including torture, solitary confinement, deliberate medical neglect, in addition to the policy of administrative detention. She expressed grave concern about the occupation's intention to legislate a law to execute prisoners, considering it a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture, and called for international pressure to stop these arbitrary measures.

The Minister concluded her speech by referring to the financial and political war waged against the Palestinian Authority, affirming that the occupation has pirated more than 4.4 billion dollars from Palestinian tax revenues. Despite these pressures, she stressed that the national strategy will remain committed to the unity of the land and the steadfastness of citizens, based on the recognition of more than 160 countries around the world of legitimate Palestinian rights.

The State of Palestine is ready to assume full responsibility for governance and security in the Gaza Strip with Arab and international support, and urgent intervention is necessary to enable our people to determine their destiny.