Will the Central Council achieve comprehensive reform and confront fateful national challenges?

As the Palestinian Central Council convenes in mid-May, interest is growing regarding what needs to be discussed and decisions made at this crucial stage the Palestinian people are going through. Given the current circumstances of the escalating Israeli occupation, the wars on Gaza and the West Bank, and internal challenges, there is an urgent need to discuss several vital issues that could constitute an important step toward strengthening Palestinian unity and defining clearer paths for the Palestinian cause. Among the most prominent issues that should occupy the Central Council are:

Reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization

The current situation requires a comprehensive reform of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and a careful evaluation of the membership of the National Council. Some individuals have been admitted to the organization without clear legal justification, while others have been excluded from unions, syndicates, and other figures who could contribute to strengthening national action. It is essential that the reinstatement of membership be discussed democratically, through a vote to include unions, syndicates, and individuals previously excluded. This reform must take place within the framework of a healthy democratic process in which all Palestinian factions and vital forces in society participate.

Reforming the Palestinian National Authority

Among the important issues that must occupy the Central Council at this critical moment is the reform of the Palestinian National Authority. The Authority has faced numerous challenges due to administrative corruption and weak governance, which have affected its ability to provide basic services to the Palestinian people and achieve their aspirations to build an independent Palestinian state. A comprehensive reform plan for the Authority must be developed, focusing on rehabilitating its institutions, strengthening transparency and accountability, and preventing corruption. These reforms must include legal, administrative, and economic aspects, with the aim of making the Authority more effective and resilient in the face of current challenges. In this context, the importance of judicial independence and reform of the Palestinian National Authority's financial system must be emphasized, ensuring the improvement of the lives of Palestinian citizens, free from any external interference or individual discretion.

Revitalizing unions and federations

Freedom of association and the right to freedom of expression are fundamental rights for the Palestinian people. Unfortunately, many Palestinian unions and federations have experienced a long period of tyranny and domination of their leadership by certain figures without the presence of truly democratic elections. At this critical stage, the revival of union life and the restoration of citizens' political and social rights must be raised, so that unions and federations can truly represent the interests of the Palestinian people. Every individual must have the right to participate and express their opinion, and unions must be effective tools in defending the rights of workers and employees.

Facing Challenges in Gaza and the West Bank

The war on Gaza was not just a military war, but a war against humanity as a whole. The Central Council's priorities must include working to rebuild Gaza and supporting the people there sustainably through international organizations. The challenges in the West Bank are no less significant, as the Palestinian people suffer from ongoing displacement, especially in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Far'a refugee camps. This requires an immediate response to ensure security and stability in these areas.

Ending the Palestinian division

The prolonged Palestinian division has become a stumbling block to achieving national goals. The Central Council must work to develop a comprehensive plan to end the division, ensuring the unification of ranks among all Palestinian factions, including those not part of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and establishing a clear mechanism for the upcoming Palestinian elections, with the Beijing Agreement as a reliable basis.

Appointment of a Vice President and the Role of the Bylaws

One of the controversial issues that requires serious discussion is the appointment of a vice president. There are legal discussions surrounding this matter, as the organization's bylaws do not explicitly mention this position. At the same time, the political reality requires an assessment of this issue in terms of its necessity in light of the current situation, while emphasizing that the bylaws stipulate that the President of the National Council deputizes for the President in his absence, while the President of the Legislative Council assumes the duties of the President in his absence. Therefore, there must be a clear presentation of this issue to ensure political stability.

Palestinian elections and the importance of holding them

One of the most important issues the Central Council must discuss is the holding of presidential and legislative elections. Conducting these elections on a sound legal basis can significantly contribute to rebuilding Palestinian institutions, especially in light of the challenges facing the Palestinian people in Jerusalem and the West Bank, including the occupation's prevention of participation in the elections. The Central Council is required to establish a mechanism that overcomes these complexities and allows all Palestinians to participate in the elections, achieving true representation of the people.

Reviewing relations with Israel

It has become clear that Israel does not recognize the right of the Palestinian people to establish a Palestinian state, and it renounces all signed agreements. In these circumstances, a comprehensive review of relations with Israel must be conducted, including withdrawing recognition of it and halting any normalization with the occupation, especially in light of the ongoing crimes against humanity in Gaza and the West Bank. The decision to reoccupy the West Bank cannot pass without real international accountability. Therefore, work must be done to change the policy towards the occupation, most notably implementing the previous decisions of the Central Council, which approved the cessation of security coordination with Israel, especially since there is no reward for it, but rather an increase in the violations and crimes of the occupation and the financial siege of the Palestinian National Authority.

The American role and international pressures

The role of the United States in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has become clear in its unconditional support for Israel, which threatens the continuation of the peace process. The Palestinian Central Council must work to exclude the United States as a mediator in any negotiations. An international peace conference must be called with the participation of countries with balanced positions, including the European Union and other major powers that respect the rights of the Palestinian people, to revive the two-state solution project that Israel has ended and the United States has disavowed, having originally sponsored it as part of its illusory projects for a solution.

Arab normalization with Israel

In light of Arab normalization with Israel, the Central Council must develop clear strategies to confront this phenomenon, which harms the Palestinian cause. There must be a clear call to halt any relations with countries that have normalized relations with the occupation until the Palestinian people achieve their right to establish their state. If necessary, relations with countries that support the occupation could be severed.

At these critical moments, the Palestinian situation requires decisive decisions that restore national unity and achieve social justice. Rebuilding institutions on democratic foundations, restoring union and individual freedoms, and ending the Palestinian division are essential steps toward achieving independence and freedom.

The Palestinian Central Council is called upon to confront military and political challenges and preserve the rights of our people under difficult circumstances. Unity and solidarity are the most important path to achieving justice and freedom for our people.

Palestine deserves actions, not words.

About "Sada News"

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At these critical moments, the Palestinian situation requires decisive decisions that restore national unity and achieve social justice. Rebuilding institutions on democratic foundations, restoring union and individual freedoms, and ending the Palestinian division are essential steps toward achieving independence and freedom.