Palestinian PM urges Hamas to clarify its stance on Gaza governance and weapons

On October 28, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa has urged Hamas to clearly define its official stance on the issues of Gaza’s governance and the group’s weapons, emphasising that all authority in the enclave should rest solely with the Palestinian state.

Speaking to Al Arabiya, Mustafa stated that “any state that respects itself does not accept the plurality of weapons, law and governance,” stressing that the weapons, law, and order in the Gaza Strip “must exclusively be in the hands of the Palestinian state.”

The Palestinian premier noted, however, that Israel remains opposed to the Palestinian Authority (PA) resuming control of Gaza. “But Gaza must be run entirely by the PA and we do not accept partial roles,” he asserted.

According to Mustafa, the Palestinian government has reached an understanding with Arab states to support the PA in fulfilling its duties in Gaza. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in mobilising regional backing for the Palestinian cause.

“Our forces are being trained in Egypt and Jordan in order to carry out their duties in Gaza,” he said, adding that “there are 18,000 security personnel in Gaza and [they] are ready to resume their duties.”

Commenting on the planned international force expected to help stabilise Gaza as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative, Mustafa underscored that the Palestinian Authority must be consulted on its formation and mandate.

The force “must come with the approval of the Palestinian Authority,” he said, noting that its presence should be temporary. “Its role should be a supportive one,” Mustafa added, “and it shouldn’t be seen as a substitute.”

By Khagan Isayev