Palestine: 'Managing Gaza without a solution is like the Palestinian Authority riding on an F-16 or an Israeli tank'

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, in a statement to the British newspaper The Guardian, made assessments regarding developments in Gaza, which has been under Hamas control since 2007, as well as steps taken by regional countries and the US concerning the Palestinian issue.

Stating that they will not cooperate with Israel on Gaza without returning to a peace process that results in a two-state solution, Shtayyeh emphasized that this cooperation would not be accepted by the Palestinian Authority without an inclusive and peaceful vision. Shtayyeh said, "For the Palestinian Authority to manage Gaza without a political solution in the West Bank is like the Palestinian Authority riding on an F-16 or an Israeli tank."

"THERE IS AN EXACT NUMBER"

Shtayyeh argued that a solution is needed in the West Bank and that, with this achieved, Gaza should be included in the process within the framework of a two-state solution.

Expressing that first and foremost the bombing of Gaza and the attacks in the West Bank must end, Shtayyeh also emphasized, regarding US President Joe Biden questioning the accuracy of the numbers of Gazans killed in Israeli attacks, that they have exact numbers along with names and identification numbers.

"ISRAEL IS DESTROYING THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION, THE US IS DOING NOTHING"

Noting that Israel's desire not to have Hamas rule in Gaza provides an opportunity to pressure the international community regarding a two-state solution, Shtayyeh stated that it is important for everyone to ask themselves what kind of peace can emerge from the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

"THE ARABS ARE TIRED OF US"

Touching upon the phrases "Any agreement should provide significant benefits to Palestine" included in the normalization agreements some Arab countries signed with Israel, Shtayyeh noted that this should be the common view of Arab countries.

Pointing out that neighboring countries also see that there cannot be peace in the region without peace in Palestine, Shtayyeh said, "I must say with all frankness, the Arabs are tired of us. They want a solution in Palestine because it is an important issue for them."

"IT CONTINUED TO FINANCE ISRAEL"

Stating that the US must also show leadership for lasting peace but that Biden has made no initiative in this regard, Shtayyeh said:

"(Biden) He didn't even appoint any special envoy, he didn't even make promises that were never kept. He says he is against the settlers, but what has he done against it? He continued to finance Israel. You say you are in favor of a two-state solution, but Israel is destroying it every day. You are doing nothing. You said you would reopen the US Consulate in Jerusalem. Your term is ending, but you haven't done it. This has created anger."

Shtayyeh underscored that European and US leaders should declare that they are open to an inclusive solution, stating that this solution includes Palestinian elections in the West Bank, including Gaza and East Jerusalem, and an Israel not governed by Benjamin Netanyahu, who "does not see Palestine as a partner."

Regarding claims that the Palestinian Authority has lost its popularity among the public, Shtayyeh replied, "We will not abandon our non-violent stance to gain popularity."

Shtayyeh added that hatred toward Israel among the public in the West Bank is increasing.