The United States has welcomed the formation of a new Palestinian autonomy government, signaling its acceptance of the revised Cabinet as a significant step toward political reform within the Palestinian Authority (PA). The Biden administration, eager to see a revitalized PA, envisions the authority playing a critical role in both the West Bank and, potentially, the Gaza Strip once the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict comes to an end.
The war, now entering its sixth month, erupted on October 7 when Hamas launched a devastating attack on southern Israel, sparking a prolonged and brutal conflict. With the situation in Gaza deteriorating, the U.S. has emphasized the need for political reform and stable governance as a foundation for post-war recovery.
In a statement issued late Friday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller praised the new Cabinet lineup, expressing optimism for future cooperation. “We look forward to working with the new group of ministers to deliver on credible reforms,” Miller said. “A revitalized Palestinian Authority is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza and establishing the conditions for stability in the broader region.”
A revitalized Palestinian authority: A Key U.S. goal
The PA, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, currently administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, the authority has faced growing criticism from Palestinians, many of whom view it as lacking legitimacy due to its cooperation with Israeli security forces and Abbas’ long tenure in office. Abbas has not stood for election in almost two decades, further deepening the authority’s credibility gap.
Despite these internal challenges, the U.S. sees the PA as a crucial part of its strategy for post-war governance in Gaza. The administration hopes that once hostilities cease, the PA could take over the administration of the Gaza Strip—a proposal that has already been met with resistance from both Israel and Hamas.
New cabinet lineup offers glimmer of hope
Earlier this month, Abbas appointed Mohammad Mustafa, a U.S.-educated economist, as the new Palestinian prime minister. On Thursday, Mustafa unveiled his Cabinet lineup, which includes a blend of relatively unknown technocrats alongside members of Abbas’ Fatah movement. While some of the ministers hail from Gaza, it remains unclear whether they currently reside in the war-torn enclave.
This new government represents an effort by Abbas to reform and re-energize the PA, but it faces significant challenges. Notably, Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls Gaza, has rejected the formation of this new government, dismissing it as illegitimate. Instead, Hamas has called for the creation of a power-sharing government that includes all Palestinian factions—something that has not materialized in nearly two decades due to deep political divisions.
Challenges ahead: Rebuilding Gaza
One of the most pressing challenges for any future Palestinian government, particularly the PA, will be the reconstruction of Gaza. Nearly six months of relentless fighting between Israel and Hamas has left much of the territory in ruins. Hospitals, schools, homes, roads, sewage systems, and the electrical grid have been decimated by airstrikes and ground offensives. According to local health authorities, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, and over 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. The United Nations and international aid organizations warn that hundreds of thousands of people are now at risk of famine.
If the PA is tasked with administering Gaza, it will face the monumental task of rebuilding the enclave’s critical infrastructure while navigating political tensions with Hamas, which has vowed not to relinquish control. The U.S. remains committed to supporting reconstruction efforts but has emphasized that a reformed Palestinian government is necessary for ensuring long-term stability.
Israel’s position: Continued security control
Israel, on the other hand, has signaled its intention to maintain open-ended security control over Gaza, even if the PA assumes a role in governance. Israeli officials have made it clear that they are unwilling to partner with either the PA or Hamas, raising questions about how any Palestinian government could function effectively in the region.
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Hamas has already warned Palestinians in Gaza against collaborating with Israel or any authority seeking to administer the territory. Those who cooperate with Israel, Hamas has stated, will be treated as “collaborators”—a term that often carries deadly consequences.
The road to reform and elections
Hamas’ rejection of the new government and its calls for a broader power-sharing arrangement underscore the political fragmentation that has plagued Palestinian politics for years. The last Palestinian national elections were held 18 years ago, and Abbas’ long-standing leadership has fueled discontent among the younger generation of Palestinians.
While the U.S. remains hopeful that the new Palestinian government will bring about meaningful reform, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Political infighting, the deep scars of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza all present significant obstacles.
However, the formation of this new government represents a potential first step toward addressing these challenges, with the U.S. signaling its willingness to work with the PA to support both political reform and reconstruction efforts in the months and years ahead.
