Breaking: Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates

President Mahmoud Abbas‌ of the Palestinian Authority⁤ is considering appointing⁢ Muhammad Mustafa, a close economic‍ adviser, as the new prime minister,⁣ according to several sources. This move would defy international efforts to⁣ encourage Abbas to appoint an independent prime minister to revitalize the Palestinian Authority. While Abbas is‌ set on appointing Mustafa,‌ he is still consulting ⁤with Arab countries before‍ making a final decision. The ​current⁢ prime minister, Mohammed Shtayyeh, resigned in February, citing the need ⁢for a new government ‍to address the emerging reality in the Gaza​ Strip. The United States has been calling for reform within the Palestinian Authority, while Israel has rejected any role for the Authority in governing Gaza. The Palestinian public views the ⁣Authority as corrupt and ​ineffective, with no ⁢functional parliament and no recent elections. The Biden administration hopes for an independent prime minister who is acceptable to Palestinians, the international community, and​ Israel. Source: www.nytimes.com