Israeli occupation must not deprive people of right to tackle climate change: Palestinian PM

Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammed Mustafa, said Thursday that Israeli occupation must not deprive Palestinians of their right to sustainable development or their ability to confront climate change calling for international support to rebuild Gaza on sustainable foundations, Anadolu reports.

Addressing the COP31 UN climate summit in Turkiye’s southern province of Antalya, Mustafa said “Israel’s restrictions on access to land, water and natural resources have compounded Palestine’s climate challenges.”

He said widespread destruction in Gaza, including damage to water, sewage and energy infrastructure, agricultural land and waste management systems, had “worsened environmental and health risks and undermined residents’ resilience.”

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The primer minister called for international partnerships to support Gaza’s reconstruction through “renewable energy, sustainable water and waste management, and protection of natural resources.”

“No people should be deprived of their right to sustainable development or their ability to address climate change because of occupation,” Mustafa noted.

COP31, hosted by Turkiye in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya from Nov. 9 to 20, brings together world leaders, government officials and climate negotiators to address climate change, with discussions focusing on emissions reductions, adaptation and climate finance.

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