The Prime Minister of Palestine has declared that it is unacceptable for anyone other than the Palestinian Authority to take control of the Gaza Strip in the future, especially as negotiations between Israel and Hamas appear to be nearing a conclusion after 15 months of conflict.
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa made these comments on Wednesday during his visit to Norway, one of three European nations that officially acknowledged Palestinian statehood in May. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the legitimate Palestinian leadership, stating, “While we’re waiting for the ceasefire, it’s crucial to assert that no entity should govern the Gaza Strip except for the legitimate Palestinian authorities and the government of the State of Palestine.”
Since coming to power in 2007, Hamas has dominated the Gaza Strip, restricting the Palestinian Authority’s governance to certain regions of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The U.S. has advocated for a rejuvenated Palestinian Authority to oversee both territories on the path to eventual nationhood, a stance that the Israeli government contests.
Mustafa further noted, “Any move to solidify the division between the West Bank and Gaza, or to create interim governing bodies, will be outright rejected.”
The warfare between Israel and Hamas commenced on October 7, 2023, when militants infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and around 250 abductions. Reports suggest that roughly a third of the 100 hostages still detained in Gaza are presumed to be dead.
According to health authorities in Gaza, over 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result of the ongoing conflict. The Health Ministry has not differentiated between combatants and civilians but indicates that more than half of the casualties include women and children.
In related developments, Norway’s Foreign Minister stated that while hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza are growing, it’s essential to think about the longer-term implications.
Espen Barth Eide, who spoke at an event in Oslo that was attended by Prime Minister Mustafa, remarked, “This is a critical moment to thoroughly consider what comes next.” He warned that a ceasefire could lead to a sense of emptiness and unfulfilled expectations, contending that the challenges in Gaza would persist, alongside ongoing divisions and animosity.
Barth Eide emphasized that the international community anticipates Israel to take meaningful steps toward resolving the enduring Palestinian issue. He also highlighted the importance of Palestinian unity, urging leaders in Palestine to collaborate effectively in building a robust government and unified governance across all Palestinian territories, thus creating a solid partnership in the quest for peace.
Norway recognizes the urgency of these matters and maintains its position as one of the few European nations to have formally recognized Palestinian statehood in May.
