Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Mohammed Mustafa as the new prime minister in response to US pressure to reform the Palestinian Authority post-war in Gaza. Mustafa, a US-educated economist, has been tasked with forming a new government and unifying administration in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as leading reforms in government, security services, and combating corruption.
The former Prime Minister, Mohammed Shtayyeh, resigned in February amid Israel’s war on Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. The PA, dominated by Fatah, aims to reunify governance in Palestinian lands despite obstacles such as opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Fatah and Hamas are expected to meet in Moscow for talks, as Mustafa, 69, who previously served in senior positions at the World Bank and led the Palestine Investment Fund, takes on his new role. The Biden administration is urging Abbas to bring in new blood to the PA, including technocrats and economic specialists, to govern post-war Gaza.
Israel has stated it will not cooperate with any Palestinian government that does not reject Hamas and its attacks. Mustafa hopes to achieve statehood for Palestinians and promote peace and security in the region. His appointment comes at a critical time for the Palestinian Authority as it navigates the aftermath of the recent conflict and works towards a peaceful and stable future for its people.
