The Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa, revealed his government’s plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, in collaboration with the United States and Saudi Arabia. Mustafa expressed that this process would be transformative for the Middle East, although he emphasized that it would be crucial to remove Hamas and Israel from power in the territory. Mustafa was optimistic about the initial contacts with advisors of Donald Trump but rejected the U.S. president's proposal to relocate Gaza's residents to neighboring countries during the post-war reconstruction.
"I am sure that this administration will help us reach a balanced agreement that could end the conflict in the region," Mustafa assured in an interview with Bloomberg TV. A dialogue has been established with various entities such as the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union to ensure the provision of emergency housing and other essential goods for Gaza.
Mustafa asserted the need for a single Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, led by the Palestinian Authority. He proposed that Hamas could exist as a cultural and political movement but should not govern or maintain a militarized stance in Gaza, where Israel seeks to control security in the near future.
Corruption within the Palestinian administration has been a concern, and Mustafa has initiated a program to reduce it. In 2007, Hamas took control of Gaza, effectively separating Palestine into two governing entities. For Mustafa, normalizing the situation requires a return to the governance of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the gradual release of hostages taken during a Hamas attack in 2023. Mustafa, aware of the difficulties in rebuilding Gaza after the wartime devastation, expressed determination to overcome obstacles and restore order in the region. During the controversial 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Mustafa expressed hope that Hamas would not regain control and that Gaza would return to being governed by the Palestinian Authority.
The population of Gaza, amid the political and humanitarian complexities, also seeks a stable and just future. Mustafa is aware of the challenges posed by this process but trusts in international cooperation to achieve lasting peace in the region. The upcoming meeting at the White House is expected to discuss the future of the Palestinian government and possible solutions to the conflict.
