Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re discussing recent Palestinian Authority leadership changes in the West Bank, Hungary approving Sweden’s NATO bid, and Denmark closing its Nord Stream investigation.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh offered his resignation on Monday as part of growing international calls for reform within the Palestinian Authority (PA). The PA governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and is being urged to govern postwar Gaza as well. Shtayyeh’s resignation came during a cabinet meeting in Ramallah where he emphasized the need for new governmental and political arrangements to address the changing reality in Gaza. He will serve in a caretaker capacity until Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas selects a permanent replacement.
Abbas is expected to choose economic advisor Mohammad Mustafa, chair of the Palestine Investment Fund, as Shtayyeh’s successor. Mustafa is considered to be a part of Abbas’s inner circle. The leadership changes are seen as an attempt to signal the PA’s willingness to make reforms in response to international pressure, although doubts remain about the extent of changes Abbas is willing to make. With the region’s last legislative elections held in 2006, Abbas has ruled by decree as there is no functional parliament.
The PA is seen as corrupt and Abbas is unpopular for his cooperation with the Israeli government regarding settlements and tax payments, as well as for failing to secure a Palestinian state. Efforts for a two-state solution are ongoing with the US and international community advocating for a technocratic Palestinian government to oversee the West Bank and Gaza. Talks on a potential truce between Israel and Hamas are also progressing, with ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar.
In other news, Hungary ratified Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing the final hurdle for Sweden’s alliance membership. Sweden’s official accession is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Meanwhile, Denmark closed its investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, with Russia denying involvement in the attack. Unions in Guinea protested against press censorship by the ruling military junta, leading to deadly clashes in the capital city of Conakry.
Lastly, an Indian train conductor inadvertently set a freight train in motion without the emergency brake on, prompting a 53-wagon train to travel over 40 miles before being stopped. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as only gravel was onboard.
