The area in which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas operates has seen some changes recently. Mohammad Mustafa, a known associate and prominent business figure, has been chosen as the new head of the governing body, the Palestinian Authority (PA). This move comes as there has been growing pressure to revamp and strengthen the administrative structure in the West Bank, where the PA is headquartered.
Despite Abbas retaining significant power as the president, the appointment of a new prime minister signals a willingness to address international calls for reform within the PA. Mustafa, who played a crucial role in the reconstruction efforts in Gaza following previous conflicts, has been tasked with leading the recovery and rebuilding initiatives in the region, which has been heavily impacted by ongoing hostilities. Additionally, he is expected to spearhead reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Mustafa takes over from the former Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, who, along with his government, stepped down earlier in the year. The Palestinian Authority, established through the Oslo Accords three decades ago, holds jurisdiction over certain parts of the West Bank, crucial to Palestinians envisioning a future independent state.
Furthermore, despite opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the PA’s involvement in Gaza, there are indications that it may play a pivotal role in governing the area post-conflict. The PA, led by Abbas’ Fatah political faction, has historically had a complex relationship with Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, following a brief war that led to Fatah’s expulsion from the territory in 2007.
Ultimately, the appointment of Mohammad Mustafa as Prime Minister signifies a shift towards revitalizing the governance structures within the Palestinian Authority, aiming to meet both local and international expectations for improved administration and stability in the region.
