Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Authority: An Overview

Imagine a government in limbo, caught between international recognition and internal strife—this is the reality of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Formed in 1994 as an interim body under the Oslo Accords, it has since evolved into a complex entity with partial control over parts of the West Bank. But what exactly does this mean for its citizens and the broader geopolitical landscape?

The Formation and Early Years

Back in 1994, when the PA was established, it was seen as a beacon of hope—a temporary solution to the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. However, the reality has been far more complicated. The PA lost control over Gaza in 2006, leading to a split with Hamas, which now exercises de facto control there.

International Recognition and Challenges

The State of Palestine is recognized by 146 nations but faces significant challenges. One major hurdle is the financial crisis it has been grappling with since 2005. The US and EU imposed a financial blockade on PA banks after Hamas won legislative elections in January 2006, cutting off vital aid.

Political Divisions and Elections

The political landscape of the Palestinian territories is further complicated by the ongoing division between Fatah and Hamas. In 2006, Hamas emerged victorious, leading to a split that has yet to be fully resolved. The PA held elections in January 1996, but due to a ‘prevailing coercive situation,’ no term expiration date was met.

Security and Governance

The Palestinian Authority administers some 39% of the West Bank through a semi-presidential multi-party republic. The PA has its own police force, but its effectiveness is often questioned due to collaboration with Israel. Violence against civilians remains a significant issue, with 16% of Palestinian civilian deaths attributed to Palestinian groups or individuals between 1993 and 2003.

Foreign Relations and Embassies

The PA conducts its foreign relations through the minister of foreign affairs. It has embassies in states recognizing the State of Palestine, with delegations or ‘missions’ in other states. The Palestinian Authority issued passports to Gaza Strip and West Bank residents in April 1995, which were recognized by 29 states.

Financial Crisis and Aid

The PA’s budget deficit has been a persistent issue, with the authority facing financial crises due to delayed donations from Arab countries and uncontrolled government consumption. In 2012, it was unable to pay workers’ salaries due to financial issues, including reduced aid from foreign donors.

Corruption and Transparency

Despite its challenges, the PA has made some strides in governance. However, corruption remains a significant issue. A poll found that 71% of Palestinians believe there is corruption in Palestinian Authority institutions, and 34% say people can criticize the government without fear.

The Future of the Palestinian Authority

As we look to the future, the PA faces numerous challenges. The reconciliation process between Fatah and Hamas reached intermediate results in 2011 and 2012 agreements, including a unity government and elections promise. However, these agreements were not implemented.

The Palestinian Authority is playing a double game, coordinating with Israel while promoting popular intifada. Since the Hamas-Fatah split, the Fatah-dominated PNA has stabilized but achieved no significant economic growth. The reconciliation process remains elusive, with talks between Fatah and Hamas resuming in February 2016 but failing to implement agreements made in 2014.

The US continues to pressure the Palestinian Authority not to reconcile with Hamas until it recognizes Israel’s conditions. Meanwhile, the PA is struggling with financial crises, corruption, and internal divisions. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but hope remains that a lasting solution can be found for this complex situation.