What difficulties did Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian Authority face in the Gaza Strip?

Following the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 1994 under the Oslo Accords, the administration led by Yasser Arafat faced significant challenges in the Gaza Strip. These difficulties included:

• Economic Instability: The region suffered from a stagnant economy, high unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, including poor water, sewage, and electrical services.12
• Internal Opposition: The PA struggled with divided popular support and the presence of militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad. These groups refused to compromise with Israel and actively sought to derail the peace process.13
• Stalled Negotiations: Progress was frequently hindered by stalled negotiations with Israel regarding territoriality and troop withdrawals, which were often contingent on the PA’s ability to curb violence.14
• Escalating Violence: The breakdown of the peace process and the outbreak of the second intifada in 2000 severely undermined the PA's authority and stability.14

These compounded pressures made it difficult for the PA to build stable governing institutions or achieve a lasting peace.14