Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh resigned, a move seen as a step toward reforms urged by the United States. Economist Mohammad Mustafa is expected to be appointed as the new prime minister.
The resignation and expected appointment of a new prime minister signal a potential shift in Palestinian governance, driven by U.S. pressure for reforms aimed at revitalizing the Palestinian Authority and its potential role in postwar Gaza.
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced his resignation, a move seen as the first step in a reform process urged by the United States. The resignation aims to address the "new reality" in the Gaza Strip and could pave the way for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern postwar Gaza, a key U.S. objective.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) was established in the early 1990s following interim peace agreements, granting it limited autonomy in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. However, a power struggle in 2007 led to Hamas seizing control of Gaza, confining the PA's administration primarily to the West Bank.
Mahmoud Abbas, the current PA President, accepted Shtayyeh's resignation. He is expected to appoint Mohammad Mustafa, an economist with experience at the World Bank and head of the Palestine Investment Fund, as the new prime minister. Mustafa's independent status is seen as potentially favorable to the U.S., Israel, and other international actors, though Abbas will retain final policy authority.
Palestinians, however, have expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the PA, citing its security coordination with Israel and a perceived lack of legitimacy. Polls indicate a majority of Palestinians desire Abbas' resignation. The U.S. State Department welcomed the PA's steps toward reform and revitalization, viewing them as positive for achieving a reunited Gaza and West Bank under PA governance.
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