On Thursday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa formed a new government, taking over the reins of the Foreign Ministry, succeeding Riad Malki.
This announcement comes after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas approved the new cabinet lineup, which includes financial expert Omar Al-Bitar as the Minister of Finance and Mohammad Al-Amour, the head of the Palestinian Businessmen Association, as the Minister of Economy.
The appointment retains Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, the former head of internal intelligence for the Palestinian Authority, as the Minister of the Interior.
The government is scheduled for its swearing-in ceremony before President Abbas this coming Sunday, incorporating Basel Nasser Al-Kafarneh as the State Minister for “Relief” Affairs, as reported by the Palestinian news agency “WAFA”.
Presenting the government’s strategic plan to President Abbas, Prime Minister Mustafa underscored the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as the foundational political framework, aligning with its program, international obligations, and the presidential mandate.
Central to the government’s agenda is addressing the humanitarian needs of Gaza, devising a comprehensive strategy for immediate aid, and spearheading recovery and reconstruction across Gaza and the West Bank. The plan also aims to stabilize financial conditions to bolster economic security.
Key initiatives include institutional reform, fighting corruption, elevating service quality, promoting digital transformation, and unifying governmental institutions across the Palestinian territories.
Mustafa’s appointment on March 14, following former Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh’s resignation on February 26, comes amid international calls, notably from the United States, for substantive reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Facing considerable administrative and diplomatic challenges, the new Prime Minister is tasked with rebuilding large swathes of Gaza, supporting its 2.3 million residents now facing displacement and urgent aid needs.
While the Palestinian Authority has had limited governance over parts of the occupied West Bank since its establishment under the Oslo Accords, it is poised to play a pivotal role in Gaza’s post-conflict governance, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition.
