In a significant political development, the Palestinian Authority unveiled the members of its new cabinet on Thursday with the aim of forming a technocratic government that can tackle corruption and aid in the reconstruction of Gaza. Led by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, the 22 ministers appointed to the government are expected to play a crucial role in overcoming credibility issues and governing the war-torn Gaza Strip. The announcement comes in response to mounting pressure from the United States and other international actors who hope to see a fresh approach from the Palestinian Authority.

The reshuffle at the highest echelons of power in the authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, comes as efforts to rebuild Gaza intensify amidst ongoing military campaigns by Israel, which seeks to dismantle the Hamas-led government. The targeted strikes on key figures within the Hamas leadership, including civil servants, have left a chaotic power vacuum in the already fragile region, particularly in the north where essential aid remains scarce.

The new cabinet has received tentative praise from U.S. officials who acknowledge the inclusion of ministers born in Gaza as a positive step towards a government that truly represents the Palestinian people. However, some residents in the West Bank remain skeptical, expressing concerns over the authority's capability to confront the immense challenges ahead, particularly when it comes to the reconstruction of Gaza.

Critics argue that the cabinet reshuffle merely constitutes cosmetic adjustments and fails to address the Palestinian Authority's limited influence in Gaza. Tareq Baconi, president of the board of Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank, dismissed the changes as superficial and lacking substance.

The political shake-up was prompted by international pressure and discontent among the Palestinian population. The Palestinian Authority, established after the 1993 Oslo accords, has faced consistent calls for reform, including demands for the departure of President Mahmoud Abbas, commonly known as Abu Mazen. A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in December revealed that over 90 percent of West Bank Palestinians wished for Abbas to step down. However, the appointment of Mustafa, a close ally of Abbas, as prime minister suggests that the president intends to retain political control rather than relinquish power.

By assuming the role of foreign minister as well, Mustafa has clarified any ambiguity surrounding one of the most prominent positions within the cabinet. The list of appointed ministers largely consists of lesser-known figures, dampening hopes of significant change due to the absence of recognizable names. This, in combination with the lack of elections and the persistent security cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, has raised concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new cabinet.

Israeli officials have yet to issue an extensive response to the cabinet announcement. However, Raquela Karamson, a spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister's office, highlighted that any potential change will hinge on the modification of policies that permit payments to families of individuals convicted of terrorism offenses by Israel.

While some in the West Bank view the formation of the new government skeptically, calling for a national unity government that includes consultations with all factions, others worry about the longevity of the current cabinet post the Gaza conflict. Muhammad Ali, a real estate developer in Shuafat, emphasized the need for a sustainable solution while questioning the government's legitimacy in the long run.

In the midst of escalating tensions between the United States and Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intentions to invade Rafah, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to make a brief stop in Israel. Meanwhile, Cairo has warned that Israeli troops taking control of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing would jeopardize the 1979 peace treaty, intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon as tensions persist in the region.