Incoming Palestinian PM lays out plans for reform but faces major obstacles

Incoming Palestinian Prime Minister plans technocratic government, trust fund for Gaza reconstruction amid challenges from Israel and Hamas.

The incoming Palestinian Prime Minister said on March 19 that he will appoint a technocratic government and establish an independent trust fund to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.

In a mission statement acquired by AP, Mohammad Mustafa laid out wide-ranging plans for the kind of revitalised Palestinian Authority called for by the U.S. as part of its postwar vision for resolving the conflict.

But the Palestinian Authority has no power in Gaza, from which Hamas drove its forces in 2007, and only limited authority in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza and his government is staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas designated Mustafa as Prime Minister last week. The U.S.-educated economist and longtime adviser to Abbas is an independent with no political base.

In the mission statement, Mr. Mustafa said he would appoint a “non-partisan, technocratic government that can gain both the trust of our people and the support of the international community.”

He promised wide-ranging reforms of Palestinian Authority institutions and a “zero tolerance” policy toward corruption.