No single elected government now rules both Gaza and the West Bank. Hamas has held Gaza by force since 2007. The Palestinian Authority, or PA, runs parts of the West Bank. Its national term from voters expired long ago. OZJF supports Palestinian self-rule. We also believe a lasting state needs elected leaders, one rule of law, and open public books. Armed groups cannot stand outside that law. Public funds must not reward acts of violence.
The map is split
The Congressional Research Service describes a split political system. Since 2007, the PA under Mahmoud Abbas has run parts of the West Bank. Hamas has ruled Gaza. No Palestinian body governs both areas or commands all armed forces.
That split shapes peace talks, security, aid, and the next transfer of power. It also affects who could carry out a peace deal. Foreign recognition alone cannot answer that question.
National elections have been absent for years
Palestinians last voted for a president in 2005. They last chose a lawmaking body in 2006. CRS reports that the Palestinian Legislative Council then stopped work. Plans for new votes have been delayed or called off. The current rulers therefore lack a fresh national vote.
An election would not bring peace on its own. Nor would it ensure good rule. It would let Palestinians choose leaders, debate policy, and replace officials without force.
Hamas combines political rule with an armed organization
Hamas is on the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Organizations list. The CRS brief on Palestinian politics also notes that legal status. Hamas won the 2006 vote for the legislature. It then took Gaza by force in 2007. Hamas is both an armed group and Gaza’s ruler. That makes one peaceful government, bound by law, much harder to build.
Public opinion does not support one easy story
The polls tell no simple story. Hamas does not speak for every Palestinian. Yet it does have real public support. The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research is often cited in this field. Its October 2025 poll found strong support for Hamas. A majority also approved of the October 7 attack. A joint Israeli-Palestinian poll from September 2024 found real Palestinian support for a two-state outcome.
The two polls were taken at different times and in different settings. Readers should check the wording, sample, and field dates. Together, the results show support for violence and support for a deal reached through talks.
Prisoner and martyr payments
The PA has paid prisoners and the families of people killed or hurt in the conflict. Those groups include people who attacked Israelis. Critics call the system “Pay-for-Slay.” Congress responded with the Taylor Force Act. It limits some U.S. aid until the listed payment practices end.
On February 10, 2025, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported a new order from President Abbas. It said the fund’s basis in law would end. Aid would move to a new welfare system. The European Union welcomed the decree. Later that year, Euronews reported new doubts. The European Commission sought proof after claims that money still moved through other paths.
The order may mark a real change. But paper reform is not enough. Payment records and outside review must show what changed in fact.
What real Palestinian self-rule would need
In OZJF’s view, sound Palestinian self-rule needs at least four things:
- National elections with trusted monitors.
- One civilian government, not rival rulers in Ramallah and Gaza.
- Public books that can be checked and do not reward violence.
- Civilian control of armed groups and public support for peace pledges.
Recognition without those reforms would leave the core problems in place. Power would remain split, hard to check, and backed by rival armed groups.
The limit of recognition
Foreign recognition can affirm a people’s national rights. It cannot make a government lawful or chosen by its people. OZJF’s Rhodesia comparison makes one narrow point. Recognition cannot cure deep flaws in the power being recognized. The two histories are not the same. The comparison must not equate Palestinian society with white minority rule.
Palestinians deserve bodies they can choose, question, and replace. Asking those bodies to reject political violence is not hostile to Palestinian self-rule. It is part of making that right last.