Palestinian Cabinet Calls for Increased International Pressure to End Gaza War; Announces Winter Time Adjustment

Ramallah: The Palestinian Cabinet, in its weekly meeting chaired by His Excellency the President, directed various competent authorities, including the diplomatic corps, to intensify international efforts to halt the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, particularly addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza. The session also resulted in the approval of several critical domestic policies, including the adjustment of clocks for winter time. According to Maan News Agency, the Cabinet reiterated the President's directives aimed at mobilizing global pressure to cease the "war of extermination" and the "war of starvation" targeting the people in the northern Gaza Strip. The discussion underscored ongoing violations and settler crimes in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The Minister of Social Development highlighted coordination with the United Nations and relief organizations to press for resumed aid delivery to northern Gaza, emphasizing the dire humanitarian conditions there. Further, the Cabinet re viewed advancements in education and agriculture, which are crucial amid the conflict. The Minister of Education detailed enhancements to the e-learning system that now includes approximately 220,000 students from Gaza, and the continuation of field teaching and educational initiatives for displaced individuals. Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture discussed a new campaign supporting olive farmers, particularly in areas facing colonization threats, and noted the increase in settler attacks under military protection. The Council also listened to a briefing from the Chairman of the Land Authority on efforts to organize the land sector, including collaborations with the Palestinian Embassy in Jordan and the Sharia judiciary. Among the discussed initiatives was the opening of a new Land Authority office in Asira al-Shamaliya to better serve the Nablus Governorate, and proposals to utilize state lands in Area C to safeguard them from confiscation. In administrative updates, the Council formed a ministerial com mittee to oversee civil peace and service provision in Jenin, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize the city. The Ministry of Health received approval to appoint new specialists in anesthesia and resuscitation, enhancing medical services across the region. The meeting concluded with the approval to shift to winter time, setting clocks back by 60 minutes starting from 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, 10/26/2024, until the early hours of Saturday, 04/12/2025. Additional administrative decisions from this session are slated for publication on the Cabinet's official website.