WASHINGTON, United States: The United States on Monday praised the Palestinian Authority’s reforms as a step toward reunifying the West Bank and the war-torn Gaza Strip after the prime minister resigned.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters using the initials of the Palestinian Authority: “We do welcome steps for the PA to reform and revitalize itself.”
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, in a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas, encouraged the Palestinian Authority “to take such steps,” Miller said.
“We think those steps are positive. We think they’re an important step to achieving a reunited Gaza and West Bank under the Palestinian Authority,” Miller added.
He refused to comment directly on the resignation of Prime Minister Mohammad Shetiye, saying that it is an internal matter of the Palestinian people.
Mr. Shettieh tendered his resignation to president Abbas, 88, citing the need for change because of the “new reality” in the Gaza Strip, which is ruled by rival Hamas.
Israel launched a relentless military campaign against Gaza after Hamas carried out its deadliest attack on Israeli soil on October 7.
Palestinian leadership has been divided since 2007, and the Palestinian Authority has limited powers in the West Bank.
Mr. Blinken has called on the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority to take control of the Gaza Strip after the war, an idea that the far-right government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed to a Palestinian state. It was not welcomed by the people.
