Mohammed Mustafa Assumes Role Of Palestine’s Prime Minister

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Mohammed Mustafa, his economic advisor, amid heightened pressure from the United States to enact reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA) and establish a new political framework for governing a potential Palestinian state post the conflict with Israel.

Mustafa has been tasked with creating a fresh administration in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, where the PA holds limited authority. His responsibilities include overhauling the economy, addressing security concerns, and combating corruption.

Read more: Palestinian Delegates Urge Israeli Occupation Cessation At ICJ

Mustafa takes over from former Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, who stepped down recently citing political, security, and economic challenges arising from the Gaza offensive and escalating tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, coupled with Israeli military actions in Gaza.

The Gaza offensive by Hamas since October 7th has resulted in a staggering death toll of at least 31,341 Palestinians, with over two million rendered homeless.

In late February, Shtayyeh and his government tendered their resignation to President Abbas, citing the necessity for new governance and political structures to accommodate the evolving situation in Gaza and foster Palestinian unity and authority over Palestinian territories.

The decision by Shtayyeh to resign coincides with mounting pressure from the United States on President Abbas to effect reforms within the PA and establish a new political framework in the aftermath of the conflict with Israel.