US Pushes for Palestinian Authority to Govern Gaza as Hamas Faces Targeted Strikes

The United States is urging Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to revamp his administration and bring in new leaders to run Gaza after the conflict with Hamas. U.S. officials see the Palestinian Authority as the only viable option to govern Gaza and unify its administration with the West Bank. The proposals include Abbas ceding some control over the Authority, appointing a deputy, empowering the prime minister's office, and introducing new figures into the leadership. Abbas has expressed readiness to implement reforms and hold elections, but insists on an international agreement for the creation of a Palestinian state. The U.S. is also pressuring Israel to allow the establishment of a Palestinian state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.