Abbas brings Arafat’s nephew back from exile as PA seeks role in Gaza governance

Abbas readmitted 72-year-old Nasser al-Qudwa to the Fatah party last week after expelling him in 2021 for defying orders and fielding his own electoral list.

By Aaron S., Jewish Breaking News

Yasser Arafat’s nephew is positioning himself for a potential role in Gaza’s future governance despite Israeli objections and President Trump’s proposal for an internationally supervised technocratic committee that would bypass the corruption-plagued Palestinian Authority.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas readmitted 72-year-old Nasser al-Qudwa to the Fatah party last week after expelling him in 2021 for defying orders and fielding his own electoral list. After four years of self-exile, Qudwa tells Reuters he is ready to help govern if needed and would welcome a “transformed” Hamas to help.

“If I’m needed, I’m not going to hesitate,” he stated.
Much like Trump’s plan, Qudwa’s proposals require Hamas to end both administrative and security control over Gaza and place its weapons under a new governing body. In return, “the door should be open for them for a political transformation towards a political party.”

“Hamas needs to understand that nobody is coming after them, that some of these employees will be given another opportunity, that they will not be assassinated, that there will be an opportunity for them to participate in the political life,” Qudwa said.

Qudwa suggested a Palestinian “council of commissioners” could administer the territory, with Abbas potentially appointing its head to maintain a link between Gaza and the PA-controlled territories in Judea and Samaria.

“I’m not suggesting the return of the Authority as is to govern Gaza,” Qudwa stated, acknowledging the PA’s deep unpopularity. However, he said existing PA assets in Gaza should form the basis of a new police force, with current Gaza police vetted and potentially used as well.

“Hamas would need assurances,” he argued.

Born in Khan Younis, Qudwa’s Gazan origins and ties to Arab states have prompted some analysts to suggest he could play a role depending on how Trump’s plans evolve. His return should also put renewed pressure on Abbas to enact long-delayed reforms as the 89-year-old seeks a Gaza role for the PA despite Israeli opposition.

Mahmoud AbbasPalestinian AuthorityYassar Araft