Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announces reform plan; Hamas rejects it as 'unilateral'

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced a broad reform program on Wednesday intended to modernize governance and prepare for statehood, a move quickly dismissed by Hamas as a "unilateral" decision lacking national consensus.

According to the official WAFA news agency, the plan seeks to reinforce the rule of law, improve transparency, and ensure a separation of powers to bolster public confidence in the Palestinian Authority.

Proposed measures include a review of legislation governing political and economic life, with a specific focus on financial oversight, the judiciary, and anti-corruption safeguards. The reforms also aim to grant oversight bodies greater independence.

The agenda outlines a transition from the Palestinian Authority to a fully independent state, including updates to election laws and the drafting of a new law on political parties.

Under the proposal, any political party would be required to adhere to democratic principles and the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization. This includes a commitment to international law, the two-state solution, and the principle of a single legitimate authority and armed force.

The reforms also target the education system, calling for a curriculum review to align with international standards while "preserving Palestinian identity." The statement said the changes would promote tolerance and the rejection of violence.

Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza, criticized the announcement, saying it lacked "national consensus."

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said constitutional reform requires broad dialogue rather than "unilateral decisions," warning the reforms may be driven by external pressure and that curriculum changes could reflect Israeli or European demands.