The United States has expressed its support for the establishment of a new Palestinian autonomy government, viewing it as a positive step towards Palestinian political reform. The Biden administration has emphasized the need to revitalize the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority with the hope that it can eventually extend its administration to the Gaza Strip following the conclusion of the Israel-Hamas conflict that began six months ago.
In a recent statement, the US State Department highlighted its readiness to collaborate with the new group of ministers to implement credible reforms. The US believes that a strengthened Palestinian Authority is crucial for addressing the needs of the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza, as well as for fostering stability in the wider region.
The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Despite not having faced an election in nearly two decades, Abbas remains at the helm of the authority. However, the authority faces challenges in terms of popular support and legitimacy among Palestinians, with some perceiving it as complicit in the Israeli occupation due to its security cooperation in the West Bank.
Recently, Abbas appointed Mohammad Mustafa, an economist educated in the US, as the new prime minister. Mustafa, in turn, unveiled his new Cabinet lineup, which includes technocrats, members of the Fatah movement, and Abbas' interior minister. While some ministers hail from Gaza, their current residency status is unclear.
The US envisions a reformed Palestinian Authority playing a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Gaza post-conflict. The war has inflicted severe damage on critical infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of hospitals, schools, homes, roads, sewage systems, and the electrical grid. The conflict has also led to a significant loss of life, displacement of the majority of Gaza's population, and a looming humanitarian crisis.
Israel has indicated its intention to maintain security control over Gaza and collaborate with non-affiliated Palestinians for governance. However, the prospect of the Palestinian Authority returning to administer Gaza faces resistance from both Israel and Hamas. Hamas, which controls Gaza, has rejected the new Palestinian government and called for a power-sharing arrangement involving all Palestinian factions ahead of long-overdue national elections.
The situation remains complex, with challenges surrounding governance, reconstruction, and political legitimacy. The international community continues to monitor developments in the region closely as efforts to stabilize Gaza and advance Palestinian political reform unfold.
