Title: New Palestinian Authority Government Includes Ministers with Extreme Views Toward Israel and Jews
The new Palestinian Authority government sworn into office this week by PA President Mahmoud Abbas has raised concerns due to the inclusion of at least two ministers who hold extreme and racist views toward Israel and Jews, according to Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), an Israeli organization.
The new minister of religious affairs, Muhammad Mustafa Najem, has been revealed to openly incite violence against Israelis, characterize Jews as evil and treacherous, and quote a verse from the Quran that refers to Jews as “apes and pigs.” Another member of the government, Minister of Women’s Affairs Muna Al-Khalili, has praised Palestinian terror and justified brutal attacks on Jews as legitimate resistance.
The U.S. administration has been urging Abbas to reform his governing authority to be part of a solution for governing Gaza after the recent war with Israel. However, many Palestinians doubt real change can occur as long as Abbas remains in power. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reject the idea of the authority being part of a post-war solution for Gaza, as they view it as problematic as Hamas.
Experts believe that the new Palestinian Authority leadership is unlikely to bring about significant changes as long as Abbas remains in charge. The U.S. has expressed its intention to work with the new cabinet to promote peace and prosperity, but critics argue that the administration is ignoring the problematic nature of the government in pursuit of its own objectives.
Overall, the inclusion of ministers with extreme views in the new Palestinian government has sparked controversy and raised doubts about the potential for meaningful reform under Abbas’ leadership.
