Credited from: REUTERS
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister, declared his hope for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to resume governance in Gaza once the ongoing war with Israel ceases. His remarks, made shortly after a ceasefire brokered by Qatar was initiated, highlighted that the decision on Gaza's governance should come from its people, not external influences. "We hope to see the PA back in Gaza. We hope to see a government that will really address the issues of the people over there," Sheikh Mohammed stated, emphasizing the significant challenges that lie ahead for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.
The conflict, which escalated following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, has had catastrophic consequences, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 47,000 deaths and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. The Israeli military operations have restricted the flow of humanitarian aid to the territory, raising alarms of an impending humanitarian crisis.
The Prime Minister's comments reflect a broader desire for stability in Gaza, which has seen significant political turmoil. The PA, led by the Fatah faction, was ousted from Gaza by Hamas in 2007, complicating governance prospects in the region. Sheikh Mohammed indicated that the negotiations between Israel and Hamas have dragged on unnecessarily, pointing out, "When we look at and reflect on what we have achieved in the last few days, we felt really sorry for all the time … wasted." His reflections follow the recent mediations involving Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., which culminated in the ceasefire, though the agreement did not explicitly outline the future governing body for Gaza.
As regional powers analyze potential outcomes, the PA's return remains uncertain. Both Israel and Hamas have expressed resistance to the PA’s governance, creating a challenging landscape for any future political resolutions in Gaza. For continuing coverage and detailed insights, refer to Reuters and Al Jazeera.