Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Authority: A Complex Web of Governance

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is a Fatah-controlled government body that exercises partial civil control over the Palestinian enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It was formed in 1994 and intended to be a five-year interim body, but its final status has been disputed. This article delves into the intricacies of the PA’s governance, its recognition by nations, and the challenges it faces.

The Formation and Structure

The Palestinian Authority was created pursuant to the Gaza-Jericho Agreement, which included Israeli withdrawal from the Jericho area and partially from the Gaza Strip. This agreement detailed the creation of the PA and the Palestinian Civil Police Force. The PA is accountable to the Palestine National Council (PNC) of the PLO but has been widely criticized for its authoritarian nature.

Control and Administration

The PA gained control over Area A (security-related issues) and Area B (civilian matters), while Israel retained control over Area C (Israeli settlements, the Jordan Valley region, and bypass roads). In 2005, Israel withdrew from its settlements in the Gaza Strip, expanding PA control to the entire strip. The PA has received financial assistance from the European Union and the United States but aid payments were suspended in 2006 after Hamas won parliamentary elections.

Recognition and Challenges

The Palestinian Authority is recognized by 146 nations as the State of Palestine, a non-member UN observer state. However, its recognition has been criticized for human rights abuses and authoritarian nature. General elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council were held on January 20, 1996, but were postponed due to a “prevailing coercive situation” until May 4, 1999.

Political Turmoil and Reconciliation Efforts

The Second Intifada began in 2004, with threats from the Quartet of Middle East mediators and the United States regarding security reforms. Following Arafat’s death, Rawhi Fattouh became acting president, and Vladimir Putin offered aid to the Palestinian Authority. The PA took control of rural areas and security in major cities but a final status agreement remained unresolved despite attempts at summits and accords.

Recent Developments

In 2014, the 2014 Palestinian unity government formed on June 2, but was condemned by the Israeli government due to its recognition of Hamas. On November 30, 2014, Hamas declared the unity government had ended due to Fatah’s denial. Talks between Fatah and Hamas in Doha, Qatar failed, citing foreign pressures as an obstacle.

Human Rights Concerns

The Palestinian Authority has guaranteed freedom of assembly but restrictions have been imposed, particularly against opponents of the PA regime. In August 2019, LGBTQ organizations were banned from operating in the West Bank. The PA issues passports to residents of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, but they are not issued on behalf of the proclaimed State of Palestine.

Economic Challenges

The Palestinian Authority faces a budget deficit of $800 million in 2005, with nearly half financed by donors. The PA struggled to pay workers’ salaries due to financial issues and failed to receive pledged funds from Arab countries. In mid-July 2012, Saudi Arabia sent $100 million to the Palestinian Authority to help alleviate their financial crisis, but they still needed an additional $500 million to cover a $1.5 billion budget deficit for 2012.

Conclusion

The Palestinian Authority’s journey from its formation in 1994 to the present day is marked by political turmoil, economic challenges, and human rights concerns. Despite its recognition by many nations as a state, it continues to face significant obstacles in achieving stability and peace. The PA must navigate these complexities while striving for unity and progress.