Mohammad Shtayyeh, an academic economist who took office in 2019, announced his resignation on Monday to pave the way for the formation of a broad consensus among Palestinians regarding the political arrangements needed following Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. The move comes amidst mounting pressure from the United States on President Mahmoud Abbas to reorganize the Palestinian Authority (PA), as international efforts intensify to end the fighting in Gaza and establish a political structure to govern the territory post-war.
Shtayyeh’s resignation, however, still needs to be accepted by Abbas, who may request him to remain as caretaker until a permanent replacement is selected. In a statement from the cabinet, Shtayyeh emphasized that the next stage ahead must acknowledge the emerging reality in Gaza, which has suffered significant destruction after nearly five months of intense combat.
The Palestinian Authority, established 30 years ago under the Oslo Peace Accords, currently has limited governance in parts of the West Bank but lost control in Gaza following a conflict with Hamas in 2007. Efforts are underway for Fatah, the faction controlling the PA, and Hamas to reach an agreement on a unity government, with a meeting scheduled in Moscow on Wednesday. A senior Hamas official highlighted the importance of a broader agreement on governance for the Palestinians following Shtayyeh’s resignation.
Amidst the conflict, Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas and does not recognize PA jurisdiction over Gaza post-war due to security concerns. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties. As the violence continues, thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza, with the vast majority of the population displaced from their homes.