Palestinian PM Mustafa emphasizes Gaza’s importance in statehood
Mustafa Has Accepted to Form the 19th Palestinian Government
Mustafa, the former Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Palestine Investment Fund, has accepted the task of forming the 19th government in Palestine. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Mustafa announced his acceptance in a letter he sent to President Mahmoud Abbas.
In his letter, Mustafa expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to form the government and stated that he would present the 19th government to the President after conducting comprehensive consultations within the timeframe specified by law. He acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, due to ongoing attacks by Israel since October 7, 2023.
Mustafa emphasized the importance of Gaza in the creation of a unified Palestinian state, stating, “There is no state without Gaza, and there cannot be a state in Gaza far from Jerusalem and the West Bank.” He condemned Israel’s attacks, including murder, destruction, settler terrorism, and detention raids, as well as the economic blockade and confiscation of Palestinian funds.
The new Prime Minister highlighted the need for greater efforts to address the suffering of the Palestinian people and called for unity in the face of adversities. He reiterated the Palestinian people’s resilience and determination to achieve freedom, independence, and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
According to the Palestinian constitution, Mustafa must nominate cabinet members within three weeks and obtain the President’s approval. Palestinian groups, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, criticized Abbas’s appointment of Mustafa without national consensus, stating that it deepened the existing division.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shtiyye’s government had resigned on February 26, citing unprecedented attacks on the Palestinian cause and political regime. Mustafa’s appointment signals a new chapter in Palestinian governance as efforts are made to address the challenges faced by the Palestinian people and work towards a united and independent state.
