RAMALLAH: Palestinian group Hamas has criticized the “unilateral” designation by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas of Mohammad Mustafa as prime minister with a mandate to help reform the Palestinian Authority (PA) and reconstruct Gaza, local media reported on Saturday.
Mustafa’s appointment comes following the mounting pressure to overhaul the governing body of the occupied Palestinian territories and also improve governance in the occupied West Bank.
In a statement, Hamas said the decision was taken without consulting it and said that the group rejected this approach. Hamas said that taking personal decisions and engaging in empty measures such as constituting a fresh government without national consensus will reinforce a policy of unilateralism and deepen division.
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The group said that at a time of conflict with Israel, Palestinian people needed a unified leadership preparing for free democratic polls involving all sections of their society.
In the occupied West Bank, Fatah fired back at Hamas’ criticism of Mahmoud Abbas, accusing it for what had befallen Gaza since it unilaterally conducted “the October 7 adventure.”
In a statement, Fatah asked, has Hamas consulted the Palestinian leadership as it is holding talks with Israel now and also offering the concessions, in a bid to ensure guarantees of its leaders’ personal security in return. Mustafa replaces ex-Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh who, resigned in February.
