The Head of the General Authority of Civil Affairs, Minister Hussein AlSheikh, said this evening, Sunday, that the elections are a Palestinian decision that stems from the national interest to reinforce democracy with the participation of all Palestinians, to ensure the legitimacy of the ballot.

AlSheikh tweeted: “The rumors surrounding European and other threats are false and deliberate.”

The Head of the General Authority of Civil Affairs and Fatah Central Committee Member, Minister Hussein AlSheikh has praised the excellent voter turnout that the electoral register has shown. He said: “This proves that the citizens are highly aware of their civil rights and eager to cast their ballots.”

And in a tweet, he has said: “Respect to our great people, and praised be Fatah’s young men and women for their efforts across the various frameworks and institutions.”

AlSheikh added: “The victory of awareness is a prelude to the victory of the best option. Long live Palestine. Victory shall be ours.”

Today, Monday morning, Minister Hussein AlSheikh received in his office in Ramallah the Italian Consul General to the State of Palestine, Mr. Giuseppe Fedele.
The meeting raised various topics, including the latest political developments on the Palestinian political arena and the General Elections dialogue that was launched in Cairo today.
AlSheikh also stressed the important role that the Italian Republic plays through the European Union in supporting the Palestinian people in their aspirations for statehood in accordance with international legitimacy, as well as in light of the recent Coronavirus pandemic.

This morning, Minister Hussein AlSheikh received in his office in Ramallah the new UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Tor Winsland.
The two sides discussed the recent updates on the Palestinian arena, including the file of reconciliation, and the region. AlSheikh also informed the UN Coordinator of the latest developments regarding the Presidential decree on the upcoming elections, and the United Nations’s support for the Palestinians during the Coronavirus pandemic.
In closure, AlSheikh wished Mr. Winsland prosperity on the new post and expressed hope for continued cooperation.

Monday morning in his office in Ramallah, Minister Hussein AlSheikh met with the European Union Representative in Palestine, Mr. Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff. Head of Political Section, Mr. Simone Petroni was in attendance, as well as the Spokesman of the EU in Palestine, Mr. Shadi Othman.
The Minister briefed the guests on the latest political developments on the Palestinian issue and the region, as well as the upcoming Palestinian elections as set forth by the Presidential decree, in which the timeline for the elections was established.
AlSheikh also thanked the countries of the European Union for their continuous support to the Palestinian people in the various areas of education, health, water, and security.
In turn, Burgsdorff reaffirmed the European Union’s firm support of the right of the Palestinian people to an independent Palestinian state within the borders of 67, with East Jerusalem as its capital, with accordance to international legitimacy. He also stressed the EU’s ongoing support for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, especially in light of the vicious Coronavirus pandemic.

Yesterday I met with the Russian Foreign Minister, HE Mr. Lavrov, as well as Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, and the Deputy Russian Patriarch; and several topics of common interest were discussed.

Minister Hussein al-Sheikh described Israel’s refusal to vaccinate Palestinian prisoners inside the occupation prisons with a vaccine against the Corona virus as a racist measure, despite the rise in covid-19 cases among them.

Al-Sheikh called for the necessity of the intervention of international and humanitarian institutions to pressure Israel and force it to respect international treaties and covenants.

Today afternoon, Minister Hussein Al-Sheikh received the Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Augusto Santos Silva at the office of the General Authority of Civil Affairs in Ramallah. The two sides discussed the latest updates on the Palestinian political arena, as well as the regional and international issues of interest.

From the Portuguese side, the meeting attendees were Director of Foreign Policy, Mrs. Madalena Fischer, the Representative of Portugal to Palestine, H.E. Mr. Fernando Demée de Brito, the Director of the Department for Middle East and North Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Maria João Coutinho, and the Special Advisor to the Minister on Middle East Affairs, Ms. Inês Coroa.
And from the Palestinian side, the attendees were Deputy Minister Mr. Ayman Qandil, and the Director of the Minister’s Office, Mrs. Ayah Al-Muhasin.

Banning Christmas  in the Gaza Strip is a decision that has nothing to do with our people’s religious, national and social morals. Its an illustration of dark takfiri thought that hits the foundations of our people’s unity, respect for beliefs and religions and freedom of opinion and belief

The Fatah Central Committee member and Head of the General Authority for Civil Affairs, Minister Hussein Al Sheikh has expressed grief for the loss of Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, offering condolences to his family and the brotherly nation of Kuwait.