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| Image Source: Washington Times |
The starting point should be a cease-fire, said Saidam, an advisor to Deputy PM.
The United
States is facing challenges in its plan to revive the Palestinian Authority
(PA) for a role in post-war Gaza, particularly in convincing Israel to release
funds crucial for PA stability.
The day
after Israel’s campaign to eradicate Hamas from Gaza, the United States hopes
to pave the way for the beleaguered Palestinian Authority to take control, by
encouraging the formation of a new government and launching training for its
security forces.
But so far,
Washington is stumbling at one of the first hurdles — persuading Israel to
unblock salaries needed to prevent the authority from collapsing altogether.
U.S.
Initiatives
U.S.
officials aim to improve the PA's standing by advocating for changes in key
positions and encouraging a new government.
Efforts
include discussions about forming a new government and introducing fresh faces
within the PA ranks.
“The Biden
administration is talking to Palestinians and members of the international
community about a “new government and some fresh blood joining Palestinian
Authority Government ranks alongside and under Abbas,” according to a White
House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive
matter.” The WT reported.
Palestinian
Response
Initially
hesitant, Palestinian officials are becoming more open to the idea of
re-establishing unity between the West Bank and Gaza.
However,
they express skepticism about U.S. capabilities amid Israel's current
government and insist on a clear "political horizon" for Palestinian
statehood.
According to
Washington Times, Palestinian officials initially balked at the idea of
returning to power in Gaza, which Hamas has controlled since 2007, in the
aftermath of such a brutal war. But they have gradually become more receptive
to seizing a rare opportunity to establish unity between the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip.
Furthermore,
Palestinian officials have said they want any such efforts to be linked to a
clear “political horizon” for Palestinian statehood. They’re skeptical of the
United States’ ability to deliver anything while Israel’s current far-right
government is in power.
A stall in
U.S. efforts to unlock $140 million in Palestinian tax money meant for Gaza,
blocked by Israel since Hamas’s surprise attack on Israeli communities on Oct.
7, has not boosted confidence.
“The
Americans talk about the day after,” said Palestinian Authority Deputy Prime
Minister Nabil Abu Rudeineh. “But even if we agreed, how can we implement it?
The policy of Israel is to weaken the authority, not strengthen it.”
Outside the
Mukataa, the red-beret-wearing Presidential Guards at the gates have not been
paid. Nor have the other Palestinian forces that the United States hopes will
form the backbone of a future security force in Gaza, or the authority’s
employees in the besieged enclave.
“We cannot
even pay the salaries of our soldiers, our employees,” Abu Rudeineh said.
The starting
point should be a cease-fire, said Saidam, an advisor to Deputy PM.
Financial
Hurdles
In all the
scenario that the U.S. facing, among the many challenges, it is convincing
Israel to unblock $140 million in Palestinian tax money meant for Gaza,
hindering salary payments and undermining confidence in the U.S. plan.
Leadership
Challenges
Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas faces declining popularity, with calls for his
resignation growing. Hamas's popularity, on the other hand, has surged.
Suggestions
for leadership changes are met with resistance, emphasizing the delicate
situation in the West Bank.
International
Involvement
The U.S.,
along with its allies, aims to train PA forces for security responsibilities in
Gaza, but no agreement has been reached.
Concerns
exist about the fragility of the West Bank, and pressure on Abbas may risk
destabilization.
Public
Perception
The PA's
legitimacy is questioned by Palestinians, who view it as cooperating with the
occupiers, leading to a resurgence of armed resistance among frustrated youth.
“The people
see the Palestinian Authority as a guardian for the occupiers,” said Saif Aqel,
a Fatah youth leader. Frustrated young people are returning to the armed
resistance rejected by the authority. Still, he said, any leader imposed from
the outside is unacceptable.
The United
States, in coordination with its allies, is hoping to train Palestinian
Authority forces for security responsibilities in Gaza as quickly as possible,
officials said. But no agreement has been reached.
Unless the
war stops soon, “there will be nothing for any administrative body to manage,”
Aqel said. “They are destroying everything.”
Conclusion
The U.S.
faces obstacles in its efforts to revive the PA for a post-war role in Gaza,
including financial issues, leadership challenges, and public skepticism. The
delicate situation requires careful navigation to avoid destabilizing the
region further.
(Courtesy:
Washington Times)
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