The key facts

  • Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa spoke at COP31 in Antalya on November 13 local summit time (November 9–20)
  • He linked Palestine's climate problems to restrictions on access to land, water and natural resources
  • Mustafa called for international partnerships to rebuild Gaza through renewable energy and sustainable water and waste management

Speech at the climate summit in Antalya

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa spoke at the UN climate summit COP31, which is taking place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20. He stated that the Israeli occupation must not deprive Palestinians of the right to sustainable development and the ability to confront climate change. “No people should be deprived of the right to sustainable development or the ability to address climate challenges because of occupation,” the Anadolu agency quoted him as saying.

Link between occupation and climate problems

According to Mustafa, Israeli restrictions on access to land, water and natural resources exacerbate Palestine's climate challenges. He also pointed to the large-scale destruction in Gaza: water supply, sewage and energy infrastructure, agricultural land and waste management systems have been damaged. This, in his assessment, has increased environmental and health risks and undermined residents' resilience.

Call for the reconstruction of Gaza

The Prime Minister called for international partnerships to rebuild Gaza on sustainable foundations — through renewable energy, sustainable water and waste management, and the protection of natural resources. The COP31 summit, hosted by Turkey, brings together world leaders, officials and climate negotiators; key topics of discussion include emissions reduction, adaptation and climate finance.