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Palestinian Authority Advances Draft Constitution Amid Controversy

2/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas received a draft constitution from Muhammad al-Hajj Qasim, aimed at transitioning the PA to a recognized state after seven months of consultations.
The Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee will review the draft, which may take months to over a year, and public feedback will be solicited.
A referendum is required for approval, but Israel is likely to oppose it due to concerns about the Oslo Accords.
The draft maintains the current hybrid government system and limits presidential terms to two four-year periods, with municipal elections planned for April.

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Story summary

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas received a draft constitution from Muhammad al-Hajj Qasim, aimed at transitioning the PA to a recognized state after seven months of consultations.
The Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee will review the draft, which may take months to over a year, and public feedback will be solicited.
A referendum is required for approval, but Israel is likely to oppose it due to concerns about the Oslo Accords.
The draft maintains the current hybrid government system and limits presidential terms to two four-year periods, with municipal elections planned for April.