NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced his resignation on Monday, paving the way for the establishment of a broad consensus among Palestinians regarding political arrangements following the recent conflict between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.
The move comes amid increasing pressure from the United States on President Mahmoud Abbas to revamp the Palestinian Authority, aligning with international efforts to cease hostilities in Gaza and initiate the formation of a political structure for post-war governance.
Shtayyeh, an academic economist who assumed office in 2019, stated in a cabinet address that the upcoming phase must consider the evolving situation in Gaza, heavily affected by nearly five months of intense fighting.
He emphasized the necessity for new governmental and political arrangements that reflect the reality in the Gaza Strip, ongoing national unity talks, and the urgent need for inter-Palestinian consensus. The extension of the Authority’s authority over the entire Palestinian territory was also highlighted.
While Shtayyeh’s resignation awaits Abbas’s acceptance, there is a possibility that he may be requested to serve as a caretaker until a permanent replacement is appointed. Fatah, controlling the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas have been working towards a unity government agreement, with a scheduled meeting in Moscow on Wednesday.
A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, noted that Shtayyeh’s resignation would make sense within the context of a national consensus on arrangements for the next phase.
Israel, on the other hand, has expressed its commitment to dismantling Hamas and opposes Palestinian Authority rule over Gaza post-war, citing security concerns. The conflict erupted following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties on both sides.
According to Israeli tallies, around 1,200 Israelis and foreigners have been killed. Palestinian health authorities report that nearly 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the Gaza fighting, with a significant portion of the population displaced from their homes. The situation remains complex as efforts continue to shape the political landscape and governance in the aftermath of the conflict.
The move comes amid increasing pressure from the United States on President Mahmoud Abbas to revamp the Palestinian Authority, aligning with international efforts to cease hostilities in Gaza and initiate the formation of a political structure for post-war governance.
Shtayyeh, an academic economist who assumed office in 2019, stated in a cabinet address that the upcoming phase must consider the evolving situation in Gaza, heavily affected by nearly five months of intense fighting.
He emphasized the necessity for new governmental and political arrangements that reflect the reality in the Gaza Strip, ongoing national unity talks, and the urgent need for inter-Palestinian consensus. The extension of the Authority’s authority over the entire Palestinian territory was also highlighted.
While Shtayyeh’s resignation awaits Abbas’s acceptance, there is a possibility that he may be requested to serve as a caretaker until a permanent replacement is appointed. Fatah, controlling the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas have been working towards a unity government agreement, with a scheduled meeting in Moscow on Wednesday.
A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, noted that Shtayyeh’s resignation would make sense within the context of a national consensus on arrangements for the next phase.
Israel, on the other hand, has expressed its commitment to dismantling Hamas and opposes Palestinian Authority rule over Gaza post-war, citing security concerns. The conflict erupted following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties on both sides.
According to Israeli tallies, around 1,200 Israelis and foreigners have been killed. Palestinian health authorities report that nearly 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the Gaza fighting, with a significant portion of the population displaced from their homes. The situation remains complex as efforts continue to shape the political landscape and governance in the aftermath of the conflict.