Report: New Palestinian Authority government may be formed by end of week

A new Palestinian Authority government may be formed before the end of this week, according to Palestinian sources quoted by the Dubai-based Asharq News.

Earlier today, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced his resignation in preparation for the postwar period, amid growing US and international pressure on the PA to reform itself with a view to taking over governance of the Gaza Strip after the war. Israel has staunchly opposed the idea and insists it must retain security control of the coastal enclave, while the administration would be handed over to independent local officials.

Shtayyeh said that in preparation for a next stage, the PA will “require new governmental and political arrangements that take into account the emerging reality in the Gaza Strip, the national unity talks, and the urgent need for an inter-Palestinian consensus.”

Asharq and other Arab news outlets report that Shtayyeh’s cabinet will remain in power until a new technocratic government is formed, which will probably be led by Mohammed Mustafa, the current head of the government’s investment fund who formerly served as deputy prime minister and economy minister.

Mustafa has reportedly been tapped to lead the new government and develop a plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through an independent authority operating under the supervision of the World Bank, Asharq reports, adding that he will also implement reforms to the administrative, financial and legal apparatus of the Palestinian Authority.