The new Palestinian Authority government sworn in this week includes ministers with extreme and racist views towards Israel and Jews, as revealed by Palestinian Media Watch. The new Minister of Religious Affairs has openly incited violence against Israelis and characterized Jews as evil and treacherous. Another member of the government, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, praised Palestinian terror and justified attacks against Jews as legitimate resistance. The U.S. administration had urged Abbas to reform his government before it can be part of a solution for governing Gaza after the recent war.
Many Palestinians believe that no real change can happen as long as Abbas remains in power, and Israel rejects the idea that the Palestinian Authority can be part of a post-war solution for Gaza, comparing it to the problematic nature of Hamas. Analysts point out that expecting moderate views from the new cabinet ministers towards Israel, especially during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, is unrealistic. The Cabinet reshuffle was seen as an attempt to appease the U.S. rather than a genuine effort for reform or peace talks with Israel.
Experts argue that change is unlikely to happen as long as Abbas and his inner circle retain control over the Palestinian Authority. The appointment of the new Prime Minister, Mohammed Mustafa, is seen as a move to maintain Abbas’s interests rather than initiate genuine reforms. The State Department expressed its intention to work with the new cabinet to promote peace, security, and prosperity. However, concerns have been raised about the racist and inciting public statements made by the newly appointed ministers.
Critics point out that the U.S. may be ignoring the problematic nature of the new government in its pursuit of achieving its objectives. Mohammed Mustafa, the new Prime Minister, is seen as a longtime ally of Abbas and a product of the corrupt system that has been in place for decades. The administration’s focus on having the Palestinian Authority inherit the Gaza Strip might overlook the radical views of some ministers and the lack of genuine reform efforts. Ignoring these problems could lead to continued stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Overall, the new Palestinian Authority government has faced criticism for including ministers with extreme views towards Israel and Jews. Despite calls for reform, experts doubt that significant changes can occur as long as Abbas retains power. The U.S. administration’s focus on achieving its objectives might overlook the problematic nature of the new government and the lack of genuine reform efforts. Ignoring these issues could prolong the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and hinder prospects for peace and stability in the region.
