This article examines the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) potential role in future governance discussions regarding Gaza, a central question within ongoing diplomatic efforts. The PA, which administers portions of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, considers itself the legitimate government for a prospective Palestinian state.
Mahmoud Abbas, the PA president since 2005, recently delivered a video address to the U.N. General Assembly where he accused Israel of committing “war crimes” in Gaza. Conversely, Israeli officials have frequently criticized the Authority, citing concerns over alleged mismanagement and the fostering of hostility toward Israel.
A significant aspect explored is the deep-seated rivalry between the PA and Hamas. Following Hamas’s victory in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, Hamas violently removed the Fatah-dominated PA from the Gaza Strip in 2007, subsequently establishing full control. The article also touches upon the symbolic nature of international recognition for a Palestinian state, noting its effect on Israel’s international standing.
Source: www.nytimes.com