Mohammad Mustafa, the designated Palestinian Prime Minister, emphasized the necessity of reforming the Palestinian Authority’s institutions despite the sensitive and challenging circumstances surrounding his task of forming a new Palestinian government amid ongoing Israeli warfare on Gaza.
Mustafa affirmed his commitment to presenting his government within the legal deadlines, pledging to implement reforms within the authority’s institutions. He viewed reform as a national necessity and interest, with the ultimate goal of establishing a robust and accountable governance system.
In a comprehensive dialogue with the Arab World News Agency, Mustafa expressed confidence in navigating the current stage amidst the destruction caused by the war in Gaza. He outlined plans for serious reforms across various sectors, aiming to enhance financial standards, transparency, revenue generation, expenditure rationalization, education development, healthcare services, bureaucratic reduction, law enforcement strengthening, corruption combat, human rights affirmation, freedom of expression, civil society empowerment, oversight bodies strengthening, and preparation for legislative and presidential elections.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Addressing the prevalent international media portrayal of the Palestinian Authority as “corrupt,” Mustafa stated, “Our policy is based on absolute intolerance for any corruption within our national institutions.” He emphasized the crucial importance of having an accountable government, not only to garner international support and credibility but, more importantly, to gain the trust of the Palestinian people who have endured decades of hardships.
Regarding the possibility of overcoming the current stage amidst the devastation caused by the war, the designated Palestinian Prime Minister stated unequivocally, “Yes,” adding that the crucial question is “how?” He acknowledged the magnitude of the horrors, destruction, and deprivation experienced since the beginning of the occupation, underscoring the urgent need for action to address the challenges faced by Palestinians.
Critical Crossroads for Palestinians
Mustafa highlighted the perilous crossroads Palestinians face, raising questions about their resilience and creativity in overcoming crises. He emphasized the importance of not only addressing the immediate challenges, particularly relief priorities followed by recovery efforts in Gaza but also crafting a comprehensive vision to end the Israeli occupation and uphold national rights to freedom and independence.
He believed that the world is now more determined than ever to bring about real change, understanding the message that the conflict cannot end without fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people. Therefore, he stressed the urgency of charting a clear path to halt the war and humanitarian disaster in Gaza, and work towards ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Mustafa also called for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire to put an end to the atrocities and bloodshed.
