Ramallah, West Bank – Palestinian security forces arrested businessman Samir Halila in Ramallah on Wednesday, days after his return from a trip abroad, according to reports. The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding Halila’s recent consideration for a role overseeing the management of the Gaza Strip with reported American support.
Halila, a former Secretary-General of the third government of Ahmed Qurei and Chairman of the Palestine Stock Exchange until March, was reportedly the subject of months-long, behind-the-scenes discussions for appointment as an administrative ruler of Gaza. The Palestinian Attorney General’s office has taken over the case following his arrest, the nature of the accusation against Halila remains unclear.
The arrest follows reports in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot detailing ongoing efforts to appoint Halila to govern Gaza. Though, the Palestinian presidency swiftly dismissed thes reports as “incorrect,” asserting that the state of Palestine, through its government or accredited administrative committee, is the sole authority authorized to manage Gaza affairs.an official source within the Palestinian presidency, speaking to the Palestinian News Agency (Wafa), emphasized that any attempts to manage Gaza outside of this framework represent a “departure from the national line” and an effort to further divide the region and separate Gaza from the West Bank.The Palestinian presidency reaffirmed its commitment to unified governance of Palestinian territories.