Lifeline for the National Project: Renewing the Social Contract Through Comprehensive National Dialogue

The destruction in Gaza, the economic war and violent barbaric attacks in the West Bank, and the broader shifts in the international system, including the ongoing regional war in the Middle East, have led to a profound regional reshaping that necessitates a serious review of the Palestinian national project. The ongoing war in the Middle East is likely to lead to further changes in the balance of power and alliances, and as a result, Palestine may no longer remain at the center of regional political attention as it once was, given the emergence of many competing priorities.The Palestinian leadership must recognize that a passive approach or gradual partial changes based on a fragile consensus are no longer viable. There is a real risk of the Palestinian national project being further marginalized, and perhaps even forgotten, during the upcoming wave of regional reshaping.This paper proposes a framework for repositioning the Palestinian issue at this difficult stage, and re-highlighting it through a process aimed at renewing the Palestinian governance system, thereby rebuilding trust in the leadership among citizens and regional and international partners alike. This framework aims to better serve the Palestinian people, restore credibility, and lay the groundwork for achieving genuine self-determination.The proposed framework is based on axes of political, financial, and administrative reform, and reform of governance and law that promotes decentralization and economic transformation. The proposal also calls for the reform of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian National Council, the launch of a comprehensive national dialogue involving all components of Palestinian society, and a return to elections, leading to the establishment of a modern state system that represents the Palestinian people and effectively responds to their needs.IntroductionThe destruction in Gaza, the escalating international recognition of the State of Palestine, and shifts in regional policies have all necessitated a re-evaluation of long-established national assumptions. The international community is increasingly demanding a unified Palestinian leadership and a credible reform plan, and more importantly, Palestinians themselves are demanding change after long years of political stagnation, internal division, economic suffering, and a growing sense of isolation.Recent proposals from the United States, Europe, and key Arab countries point in one direction: the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single legitimate Palestinian government, but only after serious and credible reforms are implemented. These proposals also speak of a path that could lead to the achievement of Palestinian self-determination after a series of reforms.This moment represents a rare opportunity for genuine renewal for Palestinians if it is handled with national awareness guided by unity, clarity, and a sense of urgent need for change. Waiting is no longer a viable option.Governance ContextThe Palestinian Authority was established in 1993 as a temporary arrangement that was supposed to last only three years, paving the way for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Three decades later, the state has not been realized, and Palestinians continue to live under Israeli occupation within limited self-rule.The Palestinian political and legal structure consists of three overlapping institutions: the Palestine Liberation Organization, the State of Palestine, and the Palestinian National Authority. These entities share leadership, budgets, and institutions with a lack of clarity in the boundaries between them, which has weakened governance, reduced accountability, created confusion in responsibilities and decision-making, and burdened the general budget.No general Palestinian elections have been held since 2006, and citizens' trust in the leadership and public institutions has significantly eroded. In addition, many senior government and security positions have been filled based on political loyalty rather than professional competence, leading to an inflated government apparatus and increased pressure on an already fragile economy.Salaries for essential workers such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and police officers have also been paid partially and irregularly for years, leading to a sharp deterioration in the quality and regularity of public services and a further loss of trust in institutions.Citizens increasingly feel that the political system no longer works for them, and that they are distant from the political leadership and unable to influence decisions that affect their lives, which necessarily means that the demand for change comes from the street, not just from outside.Why is Renewal Important? And Why Now?Renewal is necessary and urgent for two main reasons; the first is internal, as the Palestinian people have lost trust in their institutions, and a government that does not enjoy the trust of its people cannot lead a national project or effectively negotiate for its future. The second reason is practical, as any attempt to reunite Gaza and the West Bank requires a modern, transparent, and reliable Palestinian governance system capable of managing security, reconstruction, and providing essential services. This need has been emphasized in recent international discussions, including Security Council Resolution 2803 on Gaza.Renewal is not a luxury, but a condition for survival. Without it, the Palestinian national project will face a risk of further marginalization at a moment characterized by great suffering and profound regional transformations.Guiding Principles for the Renewal ProgramAny renewal program must be based on clear and practical principles that protect the public interest and promote national unity. Renewal should be Palestinian-led, focusing on national priorities, with broad popular support, and be inclusive and participatory, involving political parties, civil society, the private sector, women, and youth.Any renewal program must revive democratic life through free and fair elections, an independent and impartial judiciary, a free media, and respect for freedom of expression, while rebuilding trust in institutions through transparency and accountability.In addition, the renewal program must put the state on a path to financial stability, by paying salaries in full and on time, improving the quality of services, and expanding economic opportunities, especially for youth and women.Renewal FrameworkThe vision is to transition from a complex system influenced by political factions to a modern state system based on democracy, the rule of law, accountability, and professional competence.The Palestine Liberation Organization will remain the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, but it will not be part of the state structure and will not be funded by the government budget, while public administration and governance will become the exclusive responsibility of state institutions.This is accompanied by the necessity of agreeing on the features of renewal through a comprehensive national dialogue, supported by the United Nations, and based on international best practices.Implementation Path: Comprehensive National DialogueThe comprehensive national dialogue includes all political parties, civil society, the private sector, women, youth, academics, and representatives of various segments of society. The United Nations can be utilized to support this process and ensure integrity and credibility. International expertise can also be drawn upon and benefited from through representatives of governments that have undergone similar experiences monitoring the process or providing prior technical training to those involved in the national dialogue.These dialogues typically last from three to six months, leading to a one-year implementation plan, starting with the drafting of a new constitution and ending with national elections.Reform Axes1. Political Reform and Governance System ReformThe Palestine Liberation Organization, as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, will, according to the proposal, undergo a reform process agreed upon within the framework of the national dialogue. Among the fundamental issues that should be discussed in this dialogue is the question of maintaining the presidential system or transitioning to a parliamentary system.Essentially, there must be a return to local, legislative, and presidential elections, and efforts must be made to hold them within one year of the completion of the dialogue and the adoption of a new constitution. Election dates must also be fixed in law and protected from political interference, and election day declared a national holiday to promote popular participation.Political parties wishing to participate will also have to commit to three basic principles: the existence of a single government with a unified security authority under the authority of the state; the rejection of all forms of violence; and respect for all previous agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organization.2. Reform of Relations Between Levels of GovernmentThe government must be brought closer to citizens by empowering local authorities to assume greater responsibilities in providing services, including education, civil police, social services, and traffic management.To achieve this, local authorities should be empowered to access sufficient financial resources, including local taxes and a specific share of national revenues such as value-added tax. The distribution of powers and revenues is determined through national dialogue, based on careful analysis and international experiences.3. Financial ReformThe current financial model is unsustainable, as salaries, allowances, and pensions consume the largest part of the budget. International comparisons indicate that the wage bill in the Palestinian case far exceeds what is expected for an economy of this size, requiring reform to focus on reducing excessive spending, especially in the security sector, where overlapping structures and inflated ranks have led to significant financial burdens. In addition, pension and wage reforms should continue in accordance with existing commitments, including the 2024 program with the European Commission.It is also important for financial reform to separate the budgets of the Palestine Liberation Organization and political parties from the government budget, which is funded by Palestinian taxpayers' money.In addition, the Paris Protocol, which regulates tax arrangements with Israel, requires a comprehensive review, as the existing system allows for repeated withholding of Palestinian revenues without a fair and clear mechanism for dispute resolution, creating a chronic state of financial instability.4. Administrative Reform and Public Sector ReformThe public sector must become more efficient, professional, and accountable. This requires a clear separation between political leadership and administrative functions, meaning that most institutions should operate within a unified and clear government structure.Civil service structures must also be streamlined, so that appointments and promotions are based on competence and performance, not on personal connections or party affiliations. The leadership of the General Personnel Council should be entrusted to a distinguished and non-political professional.5. Legal Reform and FreedomsReform must strengthen the independence of the judiciary and ensure full protection of public freedoms, including freedom of expression, the press, and peaceful assembly. In addition, digital media and civil society organizations must be protected and enabled to operate freely within a clear legal framework. Many of these reforms are already stipulated in agreements with international partners and must be completed within a specified timeframe.6. Economic TransformationA modern economy cannot develop without greater control over borders, the tax system, and access to land and resources, especially in Area (C) of the West Bank. Therefore, there must be a political path that leads the process of gaining full control over crossings and borders in parallel with the economic development process.The private sector must lead the economic growth process, while the government's role is limited to providing an enabling environment, including investment in infrastructure, energy, water, communications, and vocational training, as well as adopting policies attractive to local and international investment.7. Human DevelopmentThe education, health, and social protection sectors form essential pillars in state-building. Education reform should focus on promoting science, technology, and critical thinking, while preserving national identity and Palestinian history. Schools require improved infrastructure, and teachers need continuous professional development. Higher education can be strengthened by merging institutions into fewer, more powerful ones, with a greater focus on scientific research and national priorities.Health sector reform should aim to establish a unified national health insurance system covering all citizens through public and private sector service providers, with the possibility for private insurance companies and private health service providers to complement this system to enhance quality and expand options.Regarding social protection, it must be unified within a single national system characterized by transparency and fairness, based on clear eligibility criteria, so that support is directed to families according to their needs within a coherent national framework.Expected BenefitsThis proposal contributes to restoring the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions and strengthening trust between citizens and the government. It also enhances the credibility of the Palestinian Authority before international partners and will lead to increased political and financial support. It can also contribute to the reintegration of the Gaza Strip within the framework of Palestinian governance and improve economic and social conditions in the medium term.ConclusionNext month, the Fatah movement will hold its Eighth General Conference. As the largest political force in Palestine and the most prominent actor in the governance system, it is the only entity capable of bringing about real change and preserving the Palestinian national project. Despite the decline in trust among Palestinians in the Fatah movement and the lack of transparency, accountability, power transfer, and democracy that its governance has caused, Fatah, as a political and social movement, is capable of creating a situation that brings together all segments of the Palestinian people, due to its intellectual centrism and ability to be open.History will record whether Fatah, which led the national movement for decades, will rise again to steer the Palestinian ship to safety in one of the most turbulent and difficult periods in our history, or whether it will choose to isolate itself from reality and the people and fail, allowing history to write that Fatah was at the helm when the storm swept the ship and sank it.The responsibility today rests with the leadership of Fatah and all those participating in this conference to place the national interest above all else, and to demonstrate the courage and integrity demanded by this moment, which our great Palestinian people deserve.* Former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation