Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ashtiyeh announced the resignation of his government, which rules parts of the occupied West Bank, amid escalating violence in the occupied West Bank and the war in Gaza.
Ashtiyeh submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, citing the unprecedented escalation in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the dire situation in Gaza as reasons for his decision. He emphasized the need for new governmental and political arrangements that consider the current realities in Gaza and the importance of Palestinian unity.
The United States has been pressuring Abbas to reorganize the Palestinian Authority and establish a political structure capable of governing a future Palestinian state, following the ongoing conflict. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls to allow the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, with Israeli lawmakers supporting his stance.
In response to international pressure, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to build over 3,300 new homes in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that new settlements are counterproductive to achieving lasting peace and are inconsistent with international law.
Violence has escalated in the occupied West Bank, with Hamas’ attack on southern Israel leading to significant casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 29,000 Palestinian civilian deaths due to Israeli retaliatory bombing, while Palestinian health officials stated that Israeli artillery fire in the West Bank has killed at least 401 people.
As the International Court of Justice examines the legal implications of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, the situation remains tense, with calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict growing louder. The resignation of Ashtiyeh’s government marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian self-determination and peace in the region.