Palestinian PM says improving humanitarian situation not alternative to political solution

Ramallah (Palestine), October 13: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye on Tuesday said that improving the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories can't be an alternative to a political solution.
Ishtaye made the remarks at a meeting with the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission Director for the West Bank and Gaza, Alire Grubbs, according to a statement by Ishtaye's office.
"Without reaching a political framework to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state, the economic difficulties will keep repeating," the statement said.
Also, Ishtaye told Grubbs that the aid programs "are so important," adding "but the aid efforts must be linked to development that will enable the Palestinians to build a strong economy for establishing the Palestinian state."
Direct peace talks between Israel and Palestine stopped in late March 2014 following deep disputes on issues related to the Israeli settlement and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled them ever since. The Palestinians want to establish their independent Palestinian state on these territories.
Source: Xinhua