As Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa Assigned To Manage Aid in Gaza to Eradicate Corruption

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. (Wikimedia Commons/Khaled6680)

JAKARTA - Mohammad Mustafa (69) received a number of priority tasks after being officially appointed as Prime Minister of Palestine, including managing ensuring humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip and eradicating corruption.

“In my power as President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, I call on you, as Prime Minister-designate of the next government, to commit yourself to the highest interests of the Palestinian people, to preserve, protect, advance and enhance their achievements, and achieve their national goals as agreed by the Palestine Liberation Organization," said President Abbas in the decree appointing Mustafa, quoted from WAFA, March 15.

In a statement announcing the appointment, President Abbas asked Mustafa to draw up a plan to reunite governments in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, lead reforms in government, security services and the economy and fight corruption, quoted by Al Jazeera.

In total there are 11 priority tasks assigned to the government that will be formed by PM Mustafa in the decree issued by the Palestinian President. Central to leading, maximizing and coordinating relief efforts in the Gaza Strip, and transitioning quickly and effectively from necessary humanitarian assistance to economic recovery, and then organizing reconstruction and rebuilding.

"These efforts must be part of a clear vision that lays the foundation for an institutionally independent Palestinian State, complete with infrastructure and services," the decree said.

The incoming government also has the priority task of strengthening diplomatic relations and cooperation with Aran countries and friendly countries, as well as defending the city of Jerusalem and the holy places of Muslims and Christians.

Previously, PM Mustafa had held senior positions at the World Bank, deputy prime minister and Palestinian economy minister. He served as deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs from 2013 to 2014, when he led a committee tasked with rebuilding Gaza after a seven-week war that killed more than 2,100 Palestinians.

In 2015, Abbas appointed Mustafa as chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF), which owns assets and finances projects worth nearly US$1 billion across the occupied Palestinian territories.

Speaking at the Davos Economic Forum in January, Mustafa said the "catastrophe and humanitarian impact" of Israel's ongoing war on Gaza is far greater than it was a decade ago.

In his remarks at the forum, Mustafa described the October 7 attacks as "unfortunate for everyone".

"But this is also a symptom of a larger problem, one that the Palestinian people have suffered for 75 years without end," he said.

"Until now, we still believe that statehood for Palestine is the way forward, so we hope that this time we can make it happen, so that all people in the region can live in safety and peace," he continued.

It is known that officials in the administration of United States President Joe Biden have urged Abbas to bring new figures, including technocrats and economic experts, into the reformed Palestinian Government to help govern post-war Gaza.

However, it is unclear whether the appointment of a new cabinet led by a close ally of President Abbas will be enough to meet Washington's reform demands, as he will remain in full control.