'A revitalized PA is essential': US State Department welcomes PA cabinet nominations

By HANNAH SARISOHN, REUTERS

Published: MARCH 30, 2024 18:25

Updated: MARCH 30, 2024 21:55

ARAB LEAGUE Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit meets with Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo, in 2020. Even in the Netanyahu era, Abbas thwarted attempts to resolve the conflict no fewer than three times, the writer states. (photo credit: MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY/REUTERS) — ARAB LEAGUE Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit meets with Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo, in 2020. Even in the Netanyahu era, Abbas thwarted attempts to resolve the conflict no fewer than three times, the writer states.

(photo credit: MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY/REUTERS)

US welcomes new Palestinian cabinet for peace and reform. Mustafa's dual-role cabinet aims to reform under President Abbas's leadership.

The State Department said it welcomed the nomination of a new Palestinian Authority Cabinet, a spokesperson said on Friday.

“The United States looks forward to working with the new cabinet to promote peace, security, and prosperity and will be engaging this new government to deliver on credible reforms,” the State Department said.

Last week Biden administration officials maintained they will reserve judgements on new PA members until they see what actions the government takes.

“A revitalized PA is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza and establishing the conditions for stability in the broader region,” according to the State Department.

Mustafa's dual-role cabinet

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa formed a new cabinet on Thursday in which he will also serve as foreign minister, making an immediate Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appoints Mohammad Mustafa as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA), in Ramallah, in the West Bank March 14, 2024 (credit: VIA REUTERS)

Mustafa, an ally to President Mahmoud Abbas and a leading business figure was appointed premier this month with a mandate to help reform the Palestinian Authority (PA), which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbas, who remains the most powerful figure in the PA as president, appointed the new government to demonstrate his willingness to meet international demands for change in the administration.