JUST IN: Palestinian Authority Prime Minister, Mohammed Shtayyeh And Government Resign
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and the Government officially resign from government effective immediately.
Shtayyeh announced his resignation on Monday, citing the need to establish a new cabinet that reflects recent events in the war with Israel and the increase of violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The departure comes as the United States and other international donors increase pressure on the Palestinian Authority to execute reforms, which have been accused of corruption, mismanagement, and human rights violations.
The United States has also urged the Palestinian Authority to resume negotiations with Israel and hold elections, which have been postponed for more than a decade.
The resignation might clear the way for a new administration made up of independent experts and representatives from diverse factions, including Hamas, the Islamist group that governs the Gaza Strip and fought Israel for 12 days in May.
Hamas has hailed Shtayyeh and his government’s resignation, describing it as a “positive step” towards ending the rift between the West Bank and Gaza and attaining national unity.
However, the resignation is not final because President Abbas has not yet chosen whether to accept it or not. Abbas can choose a new prime minister and government, as well as request that Shtayyeh create a new cabinet.
Abbas, who is 86 years old and in the 17th year of his four-year tenure, has not announced his plans for the Palestinian Authority, which he has headed since 2005.
Some commentators believe that Abbas would use his resignation as an opportunity to reshuffle his supporters and consolidate his influence, rather than implementing serious changes and sharing authority with other groups.
The departure of the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister and his government marks a significant development in the aftermath of the war with Israel, which has left the Palestinian territories in a condition of humanitarian crisis and political instability.
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