PA President Mahmoud Abbas to appoint economic adviser Muhammad Mustafa as prime minister

President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas is expected to appoint 69-year-old Muhammad Mustafa, a close economic adviser and former Minister of Economy, as prime minister in the coming days.

According to the The New York Times, citing diplomatic sources in the Palestinian Authority, that while Abbas was set on the appointment, he was still holding final consultations with Arab countries before signing a presidential decree entrusting Mustafa with putting together a new government.

In late February, Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh tendered the resignation of his cabinet, citing the need for a new government that “takes into account the emerging reality in the Gaza Strip.” He will continue to perform his duties until the new cabinet is formed.

Back then, Muhammad Mustafa, who is also the Chairman of the Board of the Palestine Investment Fund, was named as a possible candidate for the post of prime minister. Hamas has agreed to form a technocratic government whose main tasks will be reconstructing the Gaza Strip and ensuring security.

The new government will not be affiliated with any existing parties in the Palestinian territories. It will consist of professionals who will continue to work until presidential and parliamentary elections are held in the Palestinian territories.