Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa chaired a meeting today, Saturday, at his office in Ramallah, to follow up on developments at Palestinian crossings, including the Karameh Crossing in the West Bank and the Rafah Crossing in the Gaza Strip, and the plans and mechanisms necessary to develop and improve the crossings and strengthen their infrastructure.

The meeting focused on developing the management and governance system for Palestinian crossings to ensure the clear definition of roles, responsibilities, and tasks for the various parties, thus contributing to strengthening this vital national resource and its role in boosting the national economy and stimulating trade and travel services.

During the meeting, Mustafa reiterated that the issue of crossings is a priority at the sovereign, political, security, economic, and social levels, as it directly affects citizens. He stressed the need to intensify communication and efforts with all parties to extend operating hours, both for the movement of people and goods, and to develop travel and goods transport mechanisms. The meeting discussed ways to develop the infrastructure and various facilities at the Karama Crossing, particularly the arrival halls and the cargo and transport area. Discussions also focused on automating procedures and services at the crossing, enhancing staff capabilities, and combating smuggling. These measures aim to positively impact services provided to citizens, facilitate travel procedures, and improve preparedness to address overcrowding and travel crises, especially during Umrah, Hajj, and holiday seasons.

Attendees included Minister of Interior Major General Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, Minister of Finance and Planning Istifan Salameh, Minister of Transport and Communications Muhammad Al-Ahmad, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Abdul Razzaq Natsheh, Head of the Civil Affairs Authority Minister Ayman Qandil, Commander of the Customs Police Major General Iyad Barakat, Head of the General Authority for Crossings and Borders Amin Qandil, and Director of the Government Communication Center Muhammad Abu Al-Rub.