Rami Hamdallah assumed the role of Prime Minister of the State of Palestine on 6 June 2013, succeeding Salam Fayyad. A linguist by academic background, he navigated a complex political landscape for over five years, holding the premiership through various administrative shifts and internal tensions until his eventual departure from the office in early 2019.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Born in 1958 in Anabta, Hamdallah pursued higher education through international institutions. He graduated from the University of Jordan in 1980 before obtaining a Master of Arts from the University of Manchester in 1982. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in English linguistics from Lancaster University in 1988. His professional trajectory began at An-Najah National University, where he initially served as an English instructor in 1982. By 1998, he was appointed president of the university, a position he retained until 2013. During his fifteen-year tenure, the institution saw significant infrastructure expansion, including the opening of a 400-bed teaching hospital and a tripling of total student enrollment.
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In June 2013, President Mahmoud Abbas appointed Hamdallah to lead the Palestinian government. His initial term was marked by immediate political friction; he submitted a resignation just two weeks after taking office, citing excessive interference from administrative aides. Abbas accepted the resignation in late June but requested that Hamdallah form a new government six weeks later. This second cabinet was officially established on 19 September 2013. Hamdallah subsequently led the unity government starting in June 2014, continuing in the role until January 2019. He was succeeded by Mohammad Shtayyeh in April 2019.
Security and Institutional Roles
Hamdallah’s tenure involved high-stakes security incidents, most notably an assassination attempt on 13 March 2018 during a visit to the Gaza Strip. Hamdallah was traveling with security chief Majid Faraj when the attack occurred; both men remained uninjured. His office attributed responsibility for the incident to Hamas. Beyond executive political roles, Hamdallah served as the secretary general of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission between 2002 and 2013, acting as deputy chairman in 2011. In 2024, he returned to the commission as its head.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Anabta
- Primary education: University of Jordan, University of Manchester, Lancaster University
- Academic specialty: English linguistics
- University Presidency: An-Najah National University (1998-2013)
- Prime Minister of Palestine: 2013-2019
- Awards: Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy (2018)
- Political affiliation: Fatah
- Religion: Sunni Islam
Questions readers ask
What was Rami Hamdallah's role at An-Najah National University?
He served as the president of the university from 1998 to 2013.
Did Hamdallah face any security threats during his term?
Yes, he survived an assassination attempt in the Gaza Strip on 13 March 2018.
Achievements
- President of An-Najah National University - Palestine (1998–2013)
- chairperson of the executive board (2022–2022)
- chairperson of the executive board (2003–2006)
- chairperson of the executive board (2008–2013)
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy — 2018
- Educated at University of Jordan and University of Manchester
