Dr. Mohammed Mustafa was sworn in as head of Government on Sunday March 31, 2024, before H.E. the President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas.
The 19th Government is committed to strengthening the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land. It pledges unwavering efforts towards supporting relief and reconstruction programs in the Gaza Strip, and will prioritize addressing the protracted economic crises confronting the Palestine National Authority.
Simultaneously, the Government will embark upon a comprehensive agenda of institutional reform, restructuring, and consolidation to enhance efficiency and foster accountability. Our overarching aim is to elevate service delivery standards while combating corruption.
Central to our agenda proprieties is strengthening our people's steadfastness in the city of Jerusalem. Moreover, special attention will be devoted to addressing the challenges in the Jordan Valley and Area "C". Recognizing the pivotal role of a free and diversified media, we underscore its significance in safeguarding our national interests and achieving our national goals.
Comprising twenty-three ministers, the 19th Government includes:
Mohammed Mustafa, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, is a distinguished figure in both the economic and political realms and holds a Ph.D. in Management and Economics from George Washington University. Dr. Mustafa is an independent member of the PLO's Executive Committee within which he heads its Economic Department. He has also served as Chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF), Deputy Prime Minister, and held several other senior political and economic positions.
Dr. Mustafa's career spans numerous international and Arab public and private economic institutions, including a notable 15-year tenure at the World Bank.
His work has focused on the fields of governance, institutional building, development, policies, and infrastructure development. He has led the institutionalization, launch and management of several leading local and regional funds and corporates.
Sharhabil Yusuf Saad al-Din al-Zaim, Minister of Justice
An expert in commercial law in Palestine, possessing extensive experience in company law, intellectual property, arbitration, litigation, land taxation, business development, international work, licenses, and alternative dispute resolution. He holds a Master's degree in Law from al-Azhar University and Master’s degree in Regional Studies from al-Quds University. He is the Founder and Senior Partner at Al Zaeem & Associates since July 1987, besides holding several senior and academic positions as well as serving on the boards of numerous institutions.
Ziad Mahmoud Mohammed Hab Al-Reeh, Minister of Interior
He has been in post since January 2022. Prior to this role, he served as the Head of the Preventive Security Service from 2003 until 2022. He holds a Master's degree in Regional Studies from al-Quds University.
Sami Ahmad Arif Hajjawi, Minister of Local Government
He Holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, and has garnered diverse experience across multiple fields, including engineering in Jordan and Yemen before returning to Palestine in 1994. Additionally, he held the position of Head of the Engineers Association in Nablus and provided advisory services to international entities and numerous local companies. Besides, he has previously served as the Mayor of Nablus and his expertise in the field of engineering is extensive and varied.
Majid Awni Mohammed Abu Ramadan, Minister of Health
He holds a Ph.D. in Medicine from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom. Previously, he served as an Advisor to the Ministry of Health for Ophthalmology and held the positions of Director-General of International Cooperation and Director-General of Hospitals at the Ministry of Health. He is a member of the Board of Trustees St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group, and has previously held the position of Mayor of Gaza City.
Amjad Saad Suleiman Barham, Minister of Education and Higher Education
He holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Rajasthan in India. He served as President of Palestine Polytechnic University, and was elected as the chairman of the Palestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees from 2021 to 2022.
Inas Hosni Abdelghani Dahdah, Minister of Labor
She Holds a Ph.D. in International Marketing and Branding from York University in the United Kingdom, and is a Professor at the Faculty of Management and Economics at Birzeit University. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Palestine Monetary Authority, besides providing advisory and training services to various institutions in Palestine, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Britain.
Mohammad Mustafa Mohamed Najm, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs
He has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Shari'a at al-Azhar University. A Palestinian refugee from Gaza City, and a holder of a Ph.D. in Shari'a,
he brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as the Deputy Mufti of Palestine.
Arafat Hussein Suleiman Asfour, Minister of Industry
He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Bir-Zeit University, and is recognized as a prominent figure in various domains. Notably, he serves as Member of the Board of Directors of the Palestine Monetary Authority. Renowned as a leading Palestinian businessman, he has made substantial strides in various sectors, notably in industry, tourism and real estate development, not only in Palestine but also across several Arab nations, including the Sultanate of Oman. Besides, he holds pivotal roles as both a member and Chairman within numerous civil society federations and boards dedicated to the promotion of the Palestinian private sector. His leadership extends to institutions such as the Palestinian Food Industries Association, the Secretariat of the Private Sector Coordination Council, and the chairmanship of the Board of Directors of Palestine Trade Center (PalTrade) for several terms.
Mohammed Yusuf Mohammed Al-Amour, Minister of National Economy
With a civil engineering degree from the University of Jordan, he brings a solid foundation of technical expertise to his multifaceted career. Notably, he has held senior positions, including as the former Chairman of the Board of Directors Al-Amour Investment Group operating within the realms of industry, real estate investment, and contracting. Besides, he has served as the head of both the Palestinian Businessmen Association and Palestinian Federation of Businessmen Association; as well as the Secretary of the Private Sector Coordination Council and the Chairman of al-Takaful Insurance Company. Additionally, his contributions extend to national public institutions, where he has served as a member of several BoDs. These institutions include Palestine Standards Institution and the Palestinian Investment Promotion Agency.
Abdul Razeq Maher Abd al-Razeq Natshe, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
An expert in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, he holds a Ph.D. in computer engineering from Manchester Metropolitan University, where he delved deeply into the realms of machine learning and computer vision. Having served as a professor at Al-Najah National University, he brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in data product development and digital transformation.
Ahed Faiq Atef Bseiso, Minister of Public Works and Housing
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering and possesses an extensive experience in engineering, as well as providing consultancy services in the fields of Planning, Architecture, Electromechanics, Infrastructure, and interior Design. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Engineering Company for Concrete and Building Materials, and is a member of several boards of directors of community, banking, and civil institutions, besides heading the Home Engineering Unltd (HEU).
Samah Abdul Rahim Hussein Hamad, Minister of Social Development
She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Northampton in Investment and a Masters from the University of Liverpool. She assumed several positions that include the Executive Director of the Paltel Group Foundation for Community Development for 15 years. She formerly served as the Director of the Municipal Development Fund and as an Advisor to the Minister of Local Government. Additionally, she is a Member of the Board of Trustees at the Arab American University.
Rizq Abd al-Rahman Salim Salmiya, Minister of Agriculture
With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Aristotle University in Greece, he has cultivated a distinguished academic background. Alongside his scholarly pursuits and research endeavors at Hebron University, he has assumed various senior roles throughout his career. These include serving as President of Nablus University for Vocational and Technical Education, Advisor to the Board of Trustees of Hebron University, Vice-President of Hebron University, Vice-President of Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Hebron University, and Head of the Agricultural Education Department of at the Ministry of Higher Education.
Hani Naji Attallah Abd al-Masih "Hayek", Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
Since 2022, he has served as the mayor of Beit Sahour, following his tenure as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans and as the head of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Federation of Garment, Textile and Leather Industries. Additionally, he is a member in various national and regional institutional boards such as the Palestinian Federation of Industries, the Water Supply and Sewage Authority Council, and the Jerusalem District Electricity Company.
Ashraf Hassan Abbas al-Awar, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs
He holds a Ph.D. in Public Law and is a professor of administrative and constitutional law at al-Quds University. He has served as a member of the Palestinian National Council and a member of the al-Quds Committee. Additionally, he is a member and advisor to many legal and community organizations in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
"Imad al-Din" Abdullah Salim Hamdan, Minister of Culture
He holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Development and Institution Building, supplemented by certificates of participation from prestigious universities such as Oxford University. His professional journey includes serving as the Director General of the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, as well as spearheading the Revitalization of Historic Towns Program in collaboration with the Belgian Cooperation Agency (BTC). Besides, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer at various local universities and as a trainer in public relations for numerous forums and institutions.
Mona Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Khalili, Minister of Women's Affairs
She serves as the Secretary of the General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW) and is a member of the Global Women's Leaders of the Women's International Democratic Federation. Additionally, she is a member of both the Palestinian National and Central Councils of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), as well as a member of the Arab Parliament.
Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
She holds a Ph.D. in Administrative and Policy Studies-Education from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, and an M.Sc. from Indiana University/Purdue University (IUPUI), USA. She has an extensive academic and professional background, serving as an Assistant Professor at Al-Quds University from 1988 to 1995 and an Associate Professor from 1995 to 2008. Her leadership roles at Al-Quds University included Dean of the Faculty of Health Professions (1995-1998) and Dean of Graduate Studies (1998-2000). She also served as an Associate Professor and Head of Strategy at Dar Al Kalima University in Bethlehem. She is also a member of the Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs and actively contributes to several civil society organizations and university boards. Notably, she was the Executive Director of Al-Quds Capital of Arab Culture 2009. She led the Multisector Review and Strategic Plan for East Jerusalem (The Orient House and the EU) from 2000 to 2002 and was the Director of Research and Planning at the Welfare Association (Al Ta'awon).
Additionally, she served in various senior positions including as the Commissioner General of The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) from 2016 to 2018, Operations Director and Policy Consultant at the Palestinian Negotiations Support Project - Negotiations Support Unit in 2010, and Manager of the Capacity and Institution Building (CIB) project of the Office of the President of Palestine 2006-2009.
In addition to her roles in academia and public service, she is a prolific author, having written several articles, studies, manuals, and national reports on topics including Jerusalem, health, women in politics, Christian migration from Palestine, planning in Jerusalem, and the Armenian presence and contribution in Palestine.
Dawas Dawas
As the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, he brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role. With a Ph.D. in Political Science, he has held various significant positions throughout his career. Previously, he served as the Secretary General of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science from 2019 until his current appointment. Additionally, he has chaired the Executive Board of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and served as an Executive Board Member representing the State of Palestine at the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). He has also served at the Palestinian Legislative Council from 1996 until 2019. He has also shared his knowledge as a part-time lecturer in political science, specializing in various fields such as the Palestinian political system, diplomacy, foreign policy, international relations, and international organizations.
Mohammed Abu Al-Rub
As a professor of Media at Birzeit University and a holder of a Ph.D. in Media from the University of Vienna, Austria, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He possesses extensive experience in the field, with a focus on digital media and crafting strategic plans. Moreover, he has offered advisory and training services to numerous local, regional, and international organizations.
Estephan Salameh, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation (and Acting Minister of Finance)
He holds a PhD in Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also served as a lecturer at Birzeit University for more than ten years and was a member of the boards of trustees of several academic institutions and charitable organizations. Dr. Salameh has also worked as an advisor to multiple Palestinian ministers and prime ministers.
He led national efforts in strategic planning and international cooperation. During his tenure at the Ministry of Planning and the Prime Minister’s Office, he headed the national team responsible for preparing national and sectoral strategic plans, as well as Gaza recovery and reconstruction plans. He also oversaw the management of relations with international donors. Under his leadership, he played a decisive role in negotiating financial agreements and development projects exceeding $15 billion in support of the Palestinian people.
