Newly-appointed Palestinian Minister of Social Affairs Majida Al-Masri has ordered a ministry-wide boycott of Israeli products as her first decision in her new role.

The decision says Palestinian products must have the priority, but if a certain product is unavailable, priority goes to Arab countries, then foreign equivalent. Israeli products are to be boycotted altogether.

The minister also held a meeting with its ministry’s employees and departments. She explained how the new Palestinian government led by Salam Fayyad was created. Al-Masri was sworn in last Tuesday along with a new cabinet dominated by the Fatah movement.

She confirmed during the meeting that her ministry’s top priority would be supporting the besieged Gaza Strip, and segregated Jerusalem. “The relationship between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip should be one of unity, and neutrality should be the rule when dealing with humanitarian issues,” she said.

Al-Masri also said that social security would be a central focus. She plans to build a database of needy people all around Palestine as part of an overall effort to help the poor.