This week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas unveiled a comprehensive reform program aimed at modernizing governance and laying the groundwork for a fully independent state. According to the official WAFA news agency, the agenda focuses on reinforcing the rule of law, boosting transparency, and ensuring a clear separation of powers to restore public trust in the Palestinian Authority.
Key measures include a review of legislation governing political and economic life, with particular emphasis on financial oversight, judicial independence, and anti-corruption safeguards. The plan also proposes stronger autonomy for oversight bodies charged with holding officials to account.
Looking ahead, the reform blueprint outlines steps to transition from the Palestinian Authority to a sovereign state. This includes updates to election laws and drafting a new political party law. Under the proposed rules, any political party must uphold democratic principles and adhere to the Palestine Liberation Organization’s program. They would also need to commit to international law, the two-state solution, and recognize a single legitimate authority and armed force.
Education is another cornerstone of the proposal. The curriculum review intends to align schools with international standards while preserving Palestinian identity. Officials say the updated syllabus will promote tolerance and reject violence, signaling a shift towards more globalized teaching methods.
Despite the broad scope of these reforms, Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, swiftly dismissed the plan as a "unilateral" decision that lacks national consensus. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem argued that constitutional changes require inclusive dialogue, warning that the push might be influenced by external pressures and that new curriculum standards could reflect Israeli or European demands.
As debates unfold, the reform plan marks a pivotal moment in the Palestinian political landscape. Whether it sparks the inclusive dialogue Abbas hopes for—or deepens existing divides—remains to be seen.
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Palestine President announces reform plan; Hamas calls it 'unilateral'
cgtn.com
