The U.S. seeks to strengthen the Palestinian Authority (PA) so it can govern Gaza after the current conflict with Israel concludes.
Recently, U.S. officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, have met with PA leader Mahmoud Abbas to discuss reforms necessary to counteract corruption and enhance democratic processes.
Washington's behind-the-scenes suggestions also recommend Abbas delegate some power, possibly to a deputy or by empowering the Prime Minister's office.
Despite the PA's internal issues and the tension with Israel, the aim is for Abbas’s administration to unite Gaza and the West Bank under its governance.
The White House has remained silent on specific proposals, while the State Department has left leadership decisions up to the Palestinians. Abbas has expressed willingness to make changes and hold elections conditioned on international guarantees for Palestinian statehood.
U.S. President
Joe Biden is pushing for the revitalized PA to take over in Gaza, yet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu opposes this idea, as well as the concept of a Palestinian state that includes Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Amidst rising global concern over the death toll from Israel's offensive in Gaza, discussions on Gaza's future governance continue without a definitive plan.
U.S. officials additionally encourage regional allies to influence the PA to undergo urgent reforms in anticipation of post-war governance. Abbas, perceived as the only plausible leader despite his unpopularity and lack of action in previous reform pledges, has been asked by the U.S. not to allow Hamas to hold any governance role going forward.
The discussion includes potential avenues to enhance the PA's credibility, such as fostering new leadership and securing foreign assistance to reconstruct Gaza.
Biden hopes to provide the Palestinians with a "political horizon," yet the internal pressure and external obstacles, including Israeli settlement expansion and restrictions, challenge these efforts. The PA, viewed by many as ineffective under continued Israeli occupation, faces skepticism about its ability to genuinely represent and lead the Palestinian people.