Navigating Reform and Reconstruction: The Palestinian Authority‘s Dialog with the EU and the Path Forward for Gaza
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is actively pursuing critical reforms across multiple sectors – fiscal, economic, governance, social, and education – in close collaboration with the European Union. This ongoing dialogue, structured around a ”reform matrix” encompassing 53 actions and milestones, is central to securing continued EU support and fostering stability. as of recent discussions, the PA has successfully achieved 21 of these key milestones, with the remainder slated for implementation in the coming years, 2024 and 2027. However,this progress unfolds against a backdrop of intense scrutiny and complex geopolitical challenges,particularly concerning humanitarian aid and the future of Gaza.
Addressing Allegations and Reinforcing Financial Transparency
Recent Israeli allegations regarding the continued operation of the Palestinian Authority Martyrs Fund and the potential misuse of EU funds have placed a spotlight on financial transparency. The Martyrs Fund, a program previously providing financial support to families affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (those injured, killed, or imprisoned), has been a source of contention, labelled by israel and the United States as a “pay for slay” mechanism incentivizing violence.
Palestinian Authority Minister of National Economy, Estephan Salameh, vehemently denies these accusations. “We never used EU funds to this category of our people,” he asserted, emphasizing the rigorous auditing processes in place. “Palestine is the most scrutinised country in the world, so it’s not easy to misuse any of the funds. And we have no intention, of course, to do that.”
The PA has implemented significant changes to its social welfare system, replacing the previous framework with a needs-based approach guided by 42 social criteria.Financial assistance to families impacted by the conflict is now contingent upon meeting these criteria, ensuring aid reaches those most vulnerable and demonstrably in need. This shift underscores the PA’s commitment to responsible financial management and a broader strategy of de-escalation.
“We need to make sure that all segments of our society are also supported, as we don’t want them to resort to violence. We don’t want them to resort to radicalism,” Salameh explained. “It is indeed critically important to show them a different path, and that path comes with opportunities.”
A Cautious Welcome to the UN Resolution on Gaza
The recent adoption of a UN Security Council resolution endorsing a US-led peace plan and authorizing an International Stabilization Force in Gaza occurred shortly before the Palestine Donor Group conference. While acknowledging the resolution as “a good step forward” – primarily due to its focus on halting the ongoing conflict - Minister Salameh expressed significant reservations.
He criticized the resolution’s lack of clarity regarding key elements crucial for a enduring peace. “The reference to self-determination, to the two-state solution, to the establishment of the Palestinian state, is very lame. It’s not strong, it’s not very visible,” he stated. Further concerns were raised about the ambiguity surrounding borders, the duration of the transitional period, and the essential provisions for governance in Gaza.
“It’s also not clear about the borders.It’s also not clear about the transitional period. It’s kind of like vague. So what laws are going to be applied in Gaza? Are they going to respect the property rights? (…) Who’s going to provide the basic services to our people : water, electricity, health care, education ? Who’s gonna issue passports?” Salameh questioned.
The PA views the Palestine Donor Group conference as a vital platform to advocate for its leadership role in reconstruction and recovery efforts within Gaza. This is a critical point, as the PA seeks to ensure that aid is channeled effectively and contributes to long-term stability under Palestinian Authority governance.
The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Access and a Fragile Ceasefire
Currently,the priority remains securing a lasting ceasefire and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Minister Salameh urged Israel to open borders to allow essential supplies to reach the civilian population. Though, the situation remains precarious, with Hamas’s refusal to disarm posing a significant challenge to long-term security.
Addressing Declining Public Trust
Despite these efforts, the Palestinian Authority faces a growing challenge in maintaining public trust. Recent polling data from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) reveals that only 29% of Palestinians are satisfied with the PA’s performance during the recent conflict. https://pcpsr.org/en/node/1000 This decline in approval underscores the urgent need
