"Palestinian President's Controversial Appointment of Chief Economic Adviser as New Prime Minister Sparks Criticism"
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed his longtime economic affairs adviser, Mohammad Mustafa, as the new prime minister of the Palestinian Authority following the resignation of his predecessor, Mohammed Shtayyeh. Mustafa's appointment comes amid international pressure to reform the Palestinian government, with a focus on national unity discussions and the evolving situation in Gaza. The move is seen as an attempt to address calls for change, although it remains uncertain if it will satisfy the U.S. Mustafa, an economist with experience at the World Bank and the Palestinian Investment Fund, will be responsible for forming a new government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with the goal of eventual reunification with postwar Gaza, a plan challenged by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to recognize Palestinian independence.