Palestinian committee begins Gaza administration work in Cairo

A newly formed Palestinian technocratic committee has held its inaugural meeting in Cairo, tasked with planning Gaza's relief and reconstruction. This marks a key step in an American-backed plan for the territory's transition after the war.

A critical new body tasked with managing the Gaza Strip held its first formal session on Friday in the Egyptian capital of Cairo. According to reports from Egyptian and Palestinian media, this Palestinian National Committee, comprised of technocratic experts, has begun its work with an immediate focus on humanitarian relief and long-term reconstruction plans for the war-ravaged territory.

The "Phase Two" Framework for Transition

The committee's launch follows the announcement by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff that the second phase of the American plan for Gaza had commenced. This phase, known as the "Peace Council framework," envisions a dual structure: a Palestinian technocratic committee to handle civil administration and basic services, and an international stabilization force to provide temporary security. This arrangement is designed to function during and after an Israeli military withdrawal from the coastal enclave. The entire framework would reportedly operate under the oversight of a U.S.-led "Peace Council," backed by a future UN Security Council resolution.

Committee Composition and Mandate

The committee is chaired by Ali Shaath, a former deputy planning minister for the Palestinian Authority. Its membership includes specialists appointed to oversee key civilian sectors, such as Omar Shamaly for telecommunications, Raed Yaghi for health, Jabr al-Daour for education, and Bashir al-Rais for finance, among others. Their mandate is to establish a functional governance mechanism to address the immediate humanitarian catastrophe and lay the groundwork for rebuilding Gaza's shattered infrastructure, economy, and social services.

Regional Reactions and Uncertain Path Ahead

The formation of this committee represents a significant, though controversial, development in the international effort to address Gaza's future. While it offers a potential pathway out of the current crisis, the plan faces significant hurdles. Key questions remain about the nature and composition of the proposed international force, the timeline for Israeli withdrawal, and the long-term political horizon for Palestinians. Regional powers, including Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for Palestinian sovereignty and a two-state solution, are watching closely, emphasizing that any lasting solution must prioritize the rights and self-determination of the Palestinian people.