Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Shtayyeh To Resign, Technocratic Government Expected

The Palestinian Authority (PA) government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, is reportedly on the verge of stepping down, with plans to establish a new technocratic government forthcoming. Sources close to the Palestinian leadership have indicated to Sky News Arabic that Shtayyeh’s resignation could occur within the next two days, aiming to pave the way for a professional, nonpartisan administration by week’s end.

This development is seen as a response to recent gestures from Hamas toward the creation of a technocratic body focused on Gaza’s reconstruction and the restoration of security after the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hamas has expressed support for a government that would remain independent of Palestinian political factions, led by experts rather than politicians, during a transitional phase leading to elections.

Furthermore, there is speculation about Hamas’ interest in joining the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), contingent on progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. These discussions, held in Cairo, also explored strategies for reinvigorating the PLO and potentially sidelining Mahmoud Abbas from Palestinian political life.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that the US and some Arab countries are contemplating a plan for establishing a Palestinian state, an idea that Israel has historically opposed. A recent vote in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, saw a significant majority opposing the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.