Arafat’s Nephew Returns from Exile as Potential Gaza Governor Following Pardon by Palestinian Authority
Nasser al-Qudwa, the nephew of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, has returned to the Palestinian political scene after a four-year exile in France. His return follows a recent pardon from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, allowing him to rejoin the Fatah movement. Al-Qudwa had been sidelined since February 2021.
Political Ambitions and Reform Agenda
In a recent interview with Ynet, al-Qudwa expressed his commitment to initiating significant reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA). He aims to combat corruption and restore public trust in governmental institutions. “Our mission is to regain the people’s trust. Without that, any other effort is meaningless,” he stated.
Vision for Gaza’s Governance
Al-Qudwa, a former Fatah Central Council member and head of the Arafat Foundation, introduced a “road map” for peace in Gaza. His plan includes transforming Hamas into a political party and reinstating the Palestinian Authority as the governing body of the region. He emphasized that “annexing land without the people’s consent is madness” and that a policy based on recognition of Palestinian rights is essential.
Potential Appointment as Gaza Governor
There is speculation about al-Qudwa being appointed the Palestinian Authority’s governor of Gaza. A senior Palestinian official noted that his return enables him to operate legitimately within the political framework. Al-Qudwa is perceived as a figure who can unite Fatah reformists and gain acceptance from international stakeholders, including France and the UAE.
Urgent Need for Reform
Al-Qudwa’s return highlights the pressing need for reform within the PA and Gaza. The PA faces challenges, including economic weaknesses and Hamas’s ongoing control of Gaza. These issues place Palestinian governance at a critical juncture following recent conflicts.
- Cairo-trained dentist
- Former activist in the Palestinian Student Union
- Long diplomatic career in the Palestinian Foreign Ministry
- Served as a UN-Arab League envoy to Syria
As he looks to the future, al-Qudwa aims to restore the PA’s central role in Gaza, focusing on internal leadership along with international partnerships. He firmly believes that substantial reform is vital for achieving a genuine peace and establishing a Palestinian state.
