What does Abbas's formation of a committee to draft the Constitution of the State of Palestine mean?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the formation of a committee to draft a temporary constitution, a step aimed at strengthening Palestinian identity and thwarting attempts by the occupation to impose its sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. This move comes as part of preparations for holding general elections and getting ready for the international peace conference scheduled for September.

The committee consists of 17 members, chaired by Palestinian legal advisor Mohammad Al-Haj Qassem, and will serve as a legal reference for drafting the temporary constitution in line with the Declaration of Independence and principles of international law. This constitution will form the legal basis for the State of Palestine and define its identity and borders.

According to political expert Suleiman Basharat, the Palestinian Authority currently relies on the Palestinian Basic Law, which serves as the legal reference for the State of Palestine. The state was supposed to be declared five years after the Oslo Accords, but the occupation evaded this obligation.

With the increasing international recognition of the State of Palestine, it has become essential to create the political and legal conditions for state-building, including the establishment of a constitution. This constitution will define the Palestinian relationship with neighboring countries and the world, and strengthen the position of Palestinians on the international stage.

This step comes at a time when Gaza is facing ongoing Israeli aggression, which has resulted in thousands of martyrs and injured. The formation of the committee is seen as a response to the occupation's attempts to impose its sovereignty over Palestinian lands, reflecting the Palestinians' determination to build their independent state.

The committee aims to prepare a draft constitution that establishes the constitutional foundations for a democratic system based on the rule of law, ensuring respect for rights and public freedoms. An electronic platform will also be created to receive suggestions from all segments of Palestinian society.

This step embodies the efforts of Palestinians to build their state institutions amid the significant challenges they face. Palestinians hope that this constitution will contribute to strengthening their position in international forums and affirm their right to self-determination.