Palestinian Territories: Mohammed Mustafa Appointed as Prime Minister
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has appointed Mohammed Mustafa, a long-trusted adviser on economic affairs, as the new prime minister, according to the official Wafa news agency.
Background
Mustafa’s appointment follows the resignation of his predecessor, Mohammed Shtayyeh, in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7 that led to a conflict with Israel in Gaza.
Responsibilities and Background
Mustafa, aged 69, is tasked with forming a new government for the Palestinian Authority, which holds limited powers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Palestinian territories have been divided between Abbas’ Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Mustafa, an independent executive committee member of the Palestine Liberation Organization, has a background in economic affairs, having served as deputy prime minister, held positions at the Palestine Investment Fund, and worked at the World Bank. He was also involved in post-2014 invasion reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Analysis and Reactions
Palestinian analyst Abdul Majeed Sweilem sees Mustafa’s appointment as an effort to strengthen Palestinian institutions amid pressure from Israel and the United States. Mustafa’s liberal approach may make him more acceptable to the Americans.
The White House has welcomed Mustafa’s appointment, urging him to implement reforms for the benefit of the Palestinian people and stability in the West Bank and Gaza.
Political analyst Khalil Shaheen, however, believes that Mustafa’s close ties to Abbas could limit the potential for significant change, as reforms may still be under Abbas’ control.
International Perspectives
The United States and other global powers have called for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern all Palestinian territories post-war, a plan rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Following talks hosted by Russia involving Palestinian factions, unity of action against Israel was emphasized as a way forward after the conflict.
