Palestinian PM and Government Resign Amid Gaza’s ‘New Reality

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and his government have tendered their resignations, signaling a significant step towards long-awaited reform in the occupied West Bank. This move comes amid escalating calls, led by the U.S., for the Palestinian government to assume control of a post-war Gaza.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Shtayyeh disclosed that he had offered to step down last week during a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He expressed gratitude to Abbas for his “wisdom and support” but emphasized that the “next stage and its challenges require new governmental and political arrangements that take into account the new reality in the Gaza Strip.”

Shtayyeh underscored the urgent need for a consensus on establishing a national unity government to govern both the West Bank and Gaza. He also accused Israel of “unprecedented escalation in the West Bank” and condemned what he described as “genocide, attempts of forced displacement, and starvation” in Gaza.

According to the Associated Press, Abbas is expected to nominate Mohammad Mustafa, the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund, as Shtayyeh’s successor.

Looking ahead, leaders from Hamas’ political arm and officials from Fatah and other Palestinian factions are scheduled to convene in Moscow for a summit starting Thursday. The impact of Shtayyeh’s resignation on these talks remains uncertain. Hamas officials told Reuters that the government’s resignation “only makes sense if it comes within the context of national consensus on arrangements for the next phase.”

Shtayyeh’s resignation follows months of pressure from the U.S. on the Palestinian Authority’s leadership to implement reforms. The authority has been criticized for corruption and undemocratic practices by both Palestinians and foreign powers. In December, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Abbas to inject “new blood” into the leadership. President Joe Biden and other U.S. officials have insisted that governance of a post-war Gaza should be transferred to the Palestinian Authority.

On a different note, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined his proposal for post-war Gaza last week. The plan aims to destroy Hamas’ military and government infrastructure, secure the release of all hostages, and maintain “freedom of military operation” in Gaza along with establishing a buffer zone on the Gazan side of the border. The civilian administration of Gaza, according to Netanyahu’s proposal, should be led by professionals with managerial experience who are not associated with states or organizations supporting terror and do not receive salaries from them. The proposal does not mention the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu has previously rejected any suggestion of the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza, accusing them of supporting “murderers” and teaching children to hate Israel and “murder Jews.”

The resignation of Prime Minister Shtayyeh and his government marks a pivotal moment for the Palestinian Authority, signaling a potential shift in leadership and governance that could have far-reaching implications for the region.