Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced the resignation of his government, which oversees parts of the Palestinian West Bank, and has formally submitted the resignation to Palestinian President and Chief of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Mahmud Abbas. According to an Associated Press report, this decision is seen as a precursor to US-backed reforms.
Shtayyeh stated, “I submit the government’s resignation to Mr. President (Mahmud Abbas),” citing recent developments including “aggression against the Gaza Strip and escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.” He emphasized the need for new governmental and political measures to address the evolving situation in Gaza and called for inter-Palestinian consensus, advocating for the extension of the Palestinian Authority’s rule over all Palestinian territories.
The decision now rests with Mahmoud Abbas on whether to accept Shtayyeh and his government’s resignation. However, this move reflects a willingness to proceed with the shake-up desired by the US to implement necessary reforms and revitalize the Palestinian Authority. The US aims for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza post-war, yet significant obstacles remain in realizing this vision.