Abbas Appoints Reformer Mustafa as New Palestinian PM to Lead Government and Appease U.S. Calls for Change
• Palestinian President Abbas appointed Mohammad Mustafa, a longtime economic adviser, as prime minister to lead reforms amid U.S. pressure.
• Mustafa is seen as a technocrat, but some doubt whether he can meet public demands for change and unity between the West Bank and Gaza.
• The U.S. welcomed the appointment but said the new government must deliver on reforms for Palestinians.
• The move comes after the resignation of previous PM Shtayyeh following conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
• Abbas' mandate expired in 2009 and he has refused to hold elections, while Hamas won the last parliamentary vote in 2006.