In an unprecedented development, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh's government could resign within two days in the hopes of creating a new technocratic Palestinian government, it was reported early on Sunday.
According to Sky News Arabia, Palestinian sources are reporting on the possibility that the government of the PA, headed by Shtayyeh, could resign within days and, in its stead, form a new professional technocratic one before the end of this week.
Creation of a new government
These developments come in light of news last week that Hamas had approved the formation of a technocratic government whose mission is to rebuild Gaza and restore security to the Strip after the war. Sky News Arabia has reported that there are indications from within Hamas that it has agreed to the formation of a technocratic government.
Additionally, the reports state that the new government will not be affiliated with any Palestinian political party, where professional independents will take over government management during an initial transitional phase until elections can be held at a later time.
Sky News Arabia has also indicated in its reporting the initial acceptance of Hamas to join the Palestine Liberation Organization, provided that there will be an eventual outcome of a Palestinian state according to the 1967 boundaries.
Hamas involvement
Much of these whisperings are a result of meetings held by the Hamas delegation in Cairo two months ago, where discussions were held regarding the rebuilding and management of the Gaza Strip post-war. The parties in attendance debated the establishment of Palestinian committees as a first step towards rebuilding the PLO, removing Mahmoud Abbas from Palestinian politics, and establishing a government of technocrats in the PA.
Other news sources have reported on these developments. The Washington Post reported on a plan to establish a Palestinian state, which is being formulated by the US and other Arab states. This plan would see the creation of a Palestinian state and peace-building efforts between Israelis and Palestinians, and according to some sources, it could be unveiled in the coming weeks.
In recent years, Israel has resisted the creation or acknowledgment of a Palestinian state. Just last week, an overwhelming number of Members of the Knesset voted against the recognition of a unilateral Palestinian state. The vote was passed by 99 MKs including some from the opposition.