WT/MIN(24)/ST/76  
26 February  2024 
(24-1578) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR ALI YOUNIS  
PALESTINIAN AMBASSADOR IN UAE  
PALESTINE  
(Speaking as an Observer)  
On behalf of the State of Palestine, I extend my sincere honour and appreciation to the Chairperson, 
His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the WTO Secretariat, all Members, and the 
Government of the United Arab Emirates for their valuable efforts i n organizing and hosting this 
13th WTO Ministerial conference.  
We meet today in light of truly exceptional circumstances and difficult times, yet it is a great honour 
to have the privilege to represent and speak on behalf of the State of Palestine, which h as been 
witnessing one of the most brutal aggressions, causing devastating social detrimental consequences 
on the Palestinian people and leaving a lasting exacerbating impact on the overall Palestinian 
economy.  
As a result of the current horrendous Israeli  aggression, the Gaza Strip is being left under an 
unprecedented death toll and massive destruction, where all economic sectors became completely 
halted, had caused the mass displacement of people coupled with cutting electricity, water, fuel, and 
telecomm unications. Moreover, Israel has inflicted additional restrictions where it blocked all 
commercial crossings into, and, out of the Gaza Strip and deprived access to humanitarian aid, food, 
and medical supplies which elevated serious health concerns to dang erous levels.  
The current Israeli aggression has also adversely impacted the West Bank due to the ongoing 
unlawful imposed Israeli  blockade on  the movement of goods and people within the West Bank 
including East Jerusalem, hence projecting a steep collapse  of economic activity and declining trade.  
Estimates reveal sharp declines in GDP per capita, soaring poverty and unemployment rates, among 
other socioeconomic challenges. In 2023, GDP per capita in Gaza shrank by 26 % and stood at 
one-third of its peak in 2005, with 80 % of this loss occurring since  the 7th of October. By the end 
of 2023, unemployment in Gaza reached 79.3 %. This impact is not confined to the short term but 
indirect and long -term effects will reverberate through future generations.  
Although  Palestine is neither  a Member , nor an observer, yet we strongly believe that WTO Members 
should seek a coordinated approach to solving all trade violations while equally working towards 
addressing future concerns. Contrary to the purposes and values of the WTO,  Israel continuously 
stands in violation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We therefore recall that , as the  fundamental 
goal of the WTO , among others, is to improve people's lives, ensure trade flows, and regulate trade 
ties, it is imperative to emphasize that there is a need to address any violation that lies in the heart 
of its trading system which will cause an imbalance to trade and eventually lead to drastic results 
which we are witnessing today.  
It is crucial to remember that w hen one WTO Member  state does not comply with WTO rules and 
fails to fulfill its obligations, this will negatively impact the interests of neighboring countries in the 
entire region. The WTO Member s should acknowledge that the continuity of the Israeli vio lations and 
aggression on Palestine will cast a shadow on the Middle East and the world as well, as it already WT/MIN(24)/ST/76  
 
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  reflected its detrimental effects on trade and investment thus hindering economic growth and 
development.  
Therefore, I urge and call all Member  states to hold Israel accountable for its violations, particularly 
to the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and take the required necessary measures within the WTO 
framework. Non -compliance not only hampers the potential benefits of international trade but also  
erodes trust and confidence among Member s. Therefore, when all Member  states abide by their 
commitments and fulfil their obligations under the WTO framework, we can ensure the viability and 
effectiveness of the WTO and foster a conducive environment for g lobal trade that benefits all 
countries involved.  
As we convene today, I would like to conclude  by thanking you for the opportunity to participate as 
an Observer in this 13th Ministerial Conference. I also would like to thank all the Member s who 
expressed their full solidarity with Palestine. Reiterating that this Ministerial Conference comes at a 
tough time, where the Israeli aggression on Palestine has far -reaching consequences on the 
Palestinian economy yet confident that , with the support of the interna tional community and the 
WTO, we will  overcome these challenges and eventually achieve tangible results to ensure economic 
recovery and have the ability to trade and operate normally and freely with the rest of the world. 
We underline that occupation and e conomic developments do not match, only trade partnership and 
openness in the globalization era is the way to the future.  
Once again, thank you for your continuous support of my country 's economic development plans, 
remain assured that Palestine continues to commit to WTO norms. Optimistic that it will lead to our 
integration into the global trading system.  
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