Cairo: Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, announced on Friday that the committee has 'officially' commenced its operations to manage the enclave, marking its initiation from Cairo. This development follows 'a broad national consensus and formal authorization from Palestinian leadership.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Shaath disclosed that the committee's formation is backed by wide Palestinian agreement, a leadership mandate, and support from international and US entities. This initiative aims to assist Palestinians in overcoming the current crisis. Shaath emphasized that his leadership of the committee is grounded on 'solid legal and political foundations,' supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and a ceasefire plan presented by US President Donald Trump.
The committee is envisioned as a crucial connection between Gaza and the West Bank, with the purpose of facilitating the pathway toward an independent Palestinian state. Shaath highlighted that the committee is composed of 15 Palestinian individuals recognized for their 'professional and moderate backgrounds' and extensive experience in development, relief, and humanitarian efforts within Gaza. The committee's operations are set for a two-year transitional phase, with a focus on assisting the most vulnerable, particularly women, children, and the sick, in the face of prolonged adversity and blockade.
Earlier, Shaath mentioned that a one-year budget has been allocated by donor states to support the committee's activities, underscoring the importance of establishing an international reconstruction fund. 'The committee is pushing to create a reconstruction and relief fund at the World Bank,' Shaath indicated, identifying it as a crucial step for Gaza's recovery.
The Egyptian outlet further reported that the committee's meetings commenced in Egypt late Thursday, following the arrival of all members in Cairo. This meeting coincided with an announcement by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the initiation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, as per the understandings reached during talks among Palestinian factions in Cairo.
These developments occurred after Trump declared the formation of a Gaza 'Board of Peace' under his chairmanship as an element of his ceasefire plan, which received approval from the UN Security Council on Nov. 17, 2025. The board aims to coordinate reconstruction and international funding and support disarmament, among other tasks, until the Palestinian Authority resumes full control following necessary reforms.
Palestinians have accused Israel of persistent violations of the Oct. 10 ceasefire, which ended Israel's aggressive campaign that resulted in over 71,000 casualties, predominantly women and children, and left more than 171,000 injured since October 2023. The Health Ministry reports that at least 460 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 1,270 others injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire.