PA announces new Palestinian prime minister as part of ‘reforms’ to allow participation in Gaza government
According to the Palestinian Authority, President Mahmoud Abbas today appointed former Economy Minister and former Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa to replace Muhammad Shtayyeh, who resigned from the office two weeks ago.
PA President Abbas tasked Mustafa, chairman of the Palestinian Investment Fund, with forming the 19th Palestinian government.
Mustafa is a long-time close associate of Abbas, and while his affiliation with many Western groups would make his appointment acceptable to the international community, his close association with Abbas could be a liability in the eyes of many Palestinians.
Mustafa’s appointment is believed to be part of PA government reform that has been demanded by the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt in order to allow the group to participate in a future government over the Gaza Strip after the war.
According to a Palestinian official, outgoing PA prime minister Shtayyeh will remain in his role while Mustafa assembles a cabinet of technocrats.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
