What Role Will the Palestinian Authority Play in Gaza After the War?

SadaNews - Palestinian officials say the Palestinian Authority expects to play a significant role in the Gaza Strip in the post-war phase, despite being sidelined by U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for now, and is relying on Arab support to secure its status despite Israeli objections.

The focus has started to shift towards the future governance of Gaza with a ceasefire set to begin today (Thursday), marking the first step in Trump's attempt to end the two-year-long war. The next phase of the agreement must tackle contentious issues, including demands for disarming Hamas and ending its rule in the Palestinian territory, from which the October 7 attack on Israel originated, igniting the war.

Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007. Trump's proposal stipulates that a committee of Palestinian technocrats under international oversight will administer Gaza after the war, requiring the Palestinian Authority to implement reforms before taking charge.

While the Palestinian Authority welcomes Trump's efforts, its officials have privately expressed disappointment. An alternative plan put forth by Saudi Arabia and France affirms the Palestinian Authority's leading role in Gaza.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has already declared his commitment to combating corruption and holding elections, along with other reforms demanded by Western countries, helping to convince some of them to recognize Palestine in recent weeks.

"We Are Already There"

Three senior Palestinian officials said they still expect the Palestinian Authority to be deeply engaged in Gaza. They pointed to the role it has played in the territory since Hamas took control; it pays the salaries of tens of thousands of government employees and oversees essential services, including education and electricity supplies.

Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa told Reuters: "We are already there."

Abbas appointed Mustafa (71) last year as part of a restructuring of the Authority after U.S. President Joe Biden made it clear he wanted to see a reformed Palestinian Authority take charge in Gaza after the war.

Mustafa remarked: "Having temporary international arrangements to assist and monitor issues is one thing, and governing and getting things done is another."

The three officials referred to the Palestinian Authority's international status as the representative body for Palestinians, and to the support from Arab countries seeking to reunite Gaza and the West Bank in an effort to maintain hopes for establishing a Palestinian state.

Mustafa noted that many countries, including Arab nations, believe the Palestinian Authority should be "responsible" for Gaza; primarily because "they know it is the only practical way to get things done."

A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to a request for comment. The U.S. State Department has also not yet responded to questions from Reuters.