In February 2025, the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum (MENAF) hosted Palestinian entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Adnan Mjalli to discuss the “Pathways of Development in the Palestinian Territories.”
Dr Mjalli is an entrepreneur active in the development, commerce, finance, energy, construction, healthcare, and drug discovery and development sectors. He is President and CEO of Mjalli Investment Group and founder and chairman of the Mjalli Foundation for Education. Dr Mjalli is also the founder and president of the World Peace Economic Council and the American Academy of Palestine.
In a follow-up to MENAF’s event, the editorial team of Manara Magazine interviewed Dr Mjalli.
EDITORIAL TEAM: As someone experienced in both business and diplomacy, how do you define leadership?
DR ADNAN MJALLI: Leadership is about vision, influencing, and inspiring people to achieve a shared goal. Whether in business or diplomacy, it requires making tough decisions, adapting to challenges, and uniting people behind a purpose.
In business, great leaders do not just chase profits—they build sustainable, innovative companies that empower teams and create real value for customers and communities. In international relations, leadership is about strategy, negotiation, and balancing interests while working toward peace and stability. At the end of the day, leadership is not just about authority—it is about earning trust, leading by example, and giving people hope that change is possible.
You have actively participated in discussions around the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. What are the biggest obstacles to achieving lasting peace?
The peace process has always been complicated. I was involved in various discussions, including efforts during the first Trump administration’s Peace to Prosperity plan, which aimed for a two-state solution but was ultimately rejected by the Palestinian leadership.
Several significant obstacles stand in the way. To begin with, the long history of failed peace initiatives has undermined people’s trust in talks. Simultaneously, settlement expansion in the West Bank has eroded trust among Palestinians in Israel’s willingness to make a compromise. The question of Jerusalem and Israel’s final borders remain sticking points, particularly after President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Additionally, Palestinian political divisions between Fatah and Hamas make presenting a united front in negotiations hard. Regional dynamics have also shifted considerably over the years, with the Abraham Accords reshaping Middle Eastern alliances and, to an extent, sidelining the Palestinian cause. Despite these challenges, efforts for peace continue. Real progress will require compromise, the gradual building of trust, and a shift in regional dynamics towards an active approach to building peace.
Is a Palestinian Authority-led Gaza Strip viable in 2025?
The PA would need complete control over Gaza, which means either integrating or disbanding armed political factions like Hamas’s military wing.
A Palestinian Authority-led Gaza Strip is still theoretically possible, but its feasibility depends on several crucial factors. Since the situation remains fluid and highly volatile, any proposal would require significant political, security, and economic groundwork.
Security stabilization is of paramount importance. The PA would need complete control over Gaza, which means either integrating or disbanding armed political factions like Hamas’s military wing. An international security force under a UN or Arab mandate might be necessary to manage such a transition. At the same time, the PA must gain legitimacy in the eyes of Gazans, many of whom distrust it due to past governance failures. Holding elections to renew political leadership could help, but only if Hamas is dissolved or integrated into a broader Palestinian political framework.
Gaza’s devastated economy and built environment also demand urgent attention. A large-scale international reconstruction plan, similar to a Marshall Plan, would be required to rebuild infrastructure and create jobs. Global and regional cooperation would play a critical role, with support from the United States, the European Union, and Arab states such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Even if indirectly, Israel’s involvement would be necessary to lay down the foundations of trade and security arrangements. Any lasting solution would also need to be tied to broader Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic progress, whether through a two-state framework or another negotiated settlement.
The most significant risks that can hinder such a process include resistance from Hamas, Israeli security concerns, and ongoing Palestinian political divisions. Without a clear and coordinated effort sponsored by all invested parties, a PA-led Gaza Strip could easily collapse into further instability.
What would a real solution for Gaza look like?
Without a disarmament plan for militant groups, support from a peacekeeping force, and security cooperation that reassures Israel, any investment in economic development efforts would risk only attaining short-term effects.
A real solution must address humanitarian needs, governance, security, and economic development. The first priority is immediate humanitarian relief and reconstruction, focusing on hospitals, housing, and essential infrastructure. Establishing a stable government is equally critical—one that is legitimate in the eyes of Gazans and backed by Arab and international partners. Security remains a key concern. Without a disarmament plan for militant groups, support from a peacekeeping force, and security cooperation that reassures Israel, any investment in economic development efforts would risk only attaining short-term effects.
Beyond stability, economic growth must be prioritized, which means creating jobs, opening up trade so that the Gaza Strip would be connected to the global economy, and fostering long-term development rather than relying on aid. International involvement, particularly from Arab states, the US, and the EU, would be essential in supporting these efforts. However, significant challenges persist, including resistance from Hamas, barriers in Israeli politics, and the risk of donor fatigue. Without a plan that comprehensively addresses the above issues, the cycle of war and humanitarian crises will likely continue.
How do you measure the impact of your philanthropic efforts?
Palestinians and their resilience continue to inspire me. I believe that it is this resilience that can make one success story echo in entire communities.
Making a real impact is about measurable change. One key indicator in education, for example, is tracking how many students graduate and secure meaningful employment. Social upliftment is another measure that looks at how families’ lives improve through better housing, healthcare, and overall stability of their standard of living. Community engagement also plays a role, particularly in programs that provide people with hope and a sense of purpose. Long-term sustainability is perhaps the most critical factor—ensuring that projects continue running even after initial funding runs out.
What keeps me going is seeing real change unfold. Palestinians face unique struggles, and if I can help in any way, I feel a duty to do so. Palestinians and their resilience continue to inspire me. I believe that it is this resilience that can make one success story echo in entire communities. It is not easy work, but it is always worth it.
Striving for transparency in my philanthropic work has been another priority. Building trust in charitable work is essential for long-term impact. Using blockchain technology in my philantropic work and as part aid efforts in general has been a game-changer, providing a previously unseen level of accountability that ensures resources reach those who need them most.
Looking back, what are some moments that stand out in your professional journey?
Several moments stand out. Related to my previous point about measuring impact, providing water for farmers was a particularly meaningful experience—a single well transformed entire communities, improving livelihoods and food security. Helping students attain successful careers has also been incredibly fulfilling.
There have also been smaller but equally meaningful moments, like working to keep at-risk youth out of extremist groups by providing them with educational and professional opportunities.
What is next for you? What is your vision for the future?
I plan to focus on investment, business expansion, and philanthropy—all working together to drive real impact. In the business world, I am prioritizing strategic investments in high-growth sectors such as biotech, fintech, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Renewable energy and sustainable food production are also key areas of interest to me as they address some of the world’s most pressing long-term challenges. Supporting startups, especially in areas with limited access to capital, is another focus area for me.
Healthcare innovation is a field I am still active in, from developing next-generation medicines to ensuring that advanced healthcare solutions reach disadvantaged populations. At the same time, fintech and blockchain technologies ensure transparency, particularly as far as financial transactions are concerned. I also look to stay engaged in real estate and infrastructure development, with investments planned in smart cities, sustainable housing, and commercial hubs.
On the philanthropic side, I remain committed to using blockchain and fintech to improve aid distribution, expand educational initiatives, promote sustainable development, and support economic growth. I would like to see this happen in the Gaza Strip and beyond, in the Middle East, more broadly speaking. By combining business, finance, and philanthropy, I am always looking for solutions that go beyond temporary assistance and create self-sustaining opportunities. That’s the real goal in my line of work.
