RAMALLAH, West Bank – The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, has appointed his longtime economic adviser to the position of prime minister in response to calls for reform within the Palestinian Authority. Mohammad Mustafa, an economist educated in the United States, has been tasked with leading a technocratic government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, potentially overseeing Gaza in preparation for statehood. However, this move is facing challenges, including opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The appointment of Mustafa raises questions about whether this new government, led by a close ally of Abbas, will satisfy demands for reform, given that the 88-year-old president retains overarching control. Palestinians are calling for substantive political changes rather than just a reshuffling of names, with many expressing the desire for elections to bring about genuine transformation in governance and policy.
In his new role, Mustafa is expected to work towards unifying administration in the West Bank and Gaza, implement reforms across government systems, security services, and the economy, and combat corruption. While the United States has welcomed his appointment, urging the swift formation of a new Cabinet to carry out necessary changes, achieving meaningful progress may prove challenging amid complex regional dynamics.
Born in Tulkarem in 1954, Mustafa holds a doctorate in business administration and economics from George Washington University and has previously served in key roles at the World Bank. Following the resignation of the previous prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, Mustafa’s leadership comes at a critical juncture as the Palestinian Authority seeks to navigate internal reforms and external pressures to advance Palestinian statehood aspirations.
Abbas’ leadership has been marked by controversy, with widespread criticism of his administration’s cooperation with Israel on security matters and perceived inaction on holding elections. The rift between Abbas’s Fatah party and Hamas, which won parliamentary elections in 2006, further complicates the path to unity and statehood. Amidst these challenges, efforts to reform the Palestinian Authority, expand governance to Gaza, and establish conditions for stability are pivotal for future peace negotiations and the realization of a two-state solution.
As Mustafa takes on the responsibilities of prime minister, the expectations for meaningful change and progress towards statehood remain high. The intricate political landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict underscores the complexity of achieving lasting peace and sovereignty for the Palestinian people, requiring concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address deep-seated issues and pursue a path towards a peaceful resolution.