Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar back new Palestinian committee for Gaza

Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar back new Palestinian committee for Gaza

In a significant diplomatic move, the three key mediator nations in the Gaza conflict—Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar—have issued a joint statement endorsing the formation of a new Palestinian administrative committee for the territory. The committee, led by Dr. Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, is viewed as a crucial mechanism for implementing the next phase of the US-proposed peace plan.

Aimed at cementing the ceasefire and reconstruction

The foreign ministries of the three countries described the committee's establishment as an "important development" for enhancing stability and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They expressed hope that it would facilitate the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, "thereby contributing to consolidating the truce and preventing a renewed escalation." The statement emphasized the need for all parties to fully adhere to the agreement to achieve sustainable peace and create conditions for reconstruction.

Alignment with the US-led plan's second phase

This endorsement aligns with the recent announcement by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who declared the start of Phase Two of the Trump administration's plan. This phase transitions from a simple ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, overseen by the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

Complex path ahead amid political divisions

The joint support from Ankara, Cairo, and Doha, all of which have been critical intermediaries, lends regional legitimacy to a contentious US initiative. However, the plan's success hinges on navigating profound challenges, including the demanded demilitarization of Hamas and the political divide between the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which endorsed the plan, and Hamas's de facto rule in Gaza. For Türkiye, a consistent advocate for Palestinian unity and sovereignty, backing this committee represents a pragmatic step toward stabilizing Gaza while navigating a complex international framework.