Why was the post of Palestinian prime minister created in 2003?

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Yasser Arafat Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), wearing the keffiyeh, 1996.

The post of Palestinian prime minister was established in 2003 primarily in response to intense international pressure to decentralize the executive authority held by Yasser Arafat.12

At the time, the Palestinian Authority (PA) was facing significant challenges, including the ongoing second intifada and a growing sense of distrust from the international community regarding Arafat's leadership and his ability to curb violence. By creating the office of prime minister, the PA sought to split executive authority and regain support from abroad.12

Mahmoud Abbas was appointed as the first prime minister to occupy the office, but he resigned later that year after struggling to gain control over security forces and facing opposition from Arafat and other factions.12