The ongoing political landscape in the Palestinian territories has taken a significant turn following recent discussions among key factions, including Hamas. On Friday, representatives convened in Cairo and announced a consensus to establish a temporary independent committee of technocrats to oversee the administration of Gaza in the aftermath of the recent conflict.
According to a joint statement released on the Hamas website, the factions reached an agreement to transfer the governance of the Gaza Strip to this newly formed committee. This independent body is expected to manage essential public services and daily affairs, collaborating closely with regional allies and international organizations.
The parties involved expressed a commitment to unify their stance in the face of challenges confronting the Palestinian cause. They emphasized the need for a collective approach, calling for a future gathering of all political forces to devise a national strategy aimed at revitalizing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The PLO is recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, although Hamas, a prominent faction that has been in control of Gaza since 2007, is not a part of this organization, which is largely dominated by Fatah, its historical rival.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that delegations from Hamas and Fatah had previously met in Cairo to deliberate on a second phase of a ceasefire plan backed by the United States. These discussions are characterized by a mutual agreement to persist with future meetings aimed at organizing the Palestinian internal front in response to perceived challenges from the Israeli government.
In addition, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad engaged in talks with senior officials from various Palestinian factions during this period. Notable among these groups were Islamic Jihad, a key ally of Hamas, as well as other factions within the PLO like the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
The relationship between Hamas and Fatah has historically been marked by significant rivalry, which escalated into violence following the 2006 elections. This longstanding division has often posed obstacles to achieving Palestinian national unity.
In December 2024, the groups had previously reached an agreement to form a joint committee to govern post-war Gaza. However, this accord faced criticism, particularly from Fatah members. Although Hamas has indicated a willingness to step back from direct governance, it has resisted demands to disarm its military wing, highlighting ongoing tensions within the political sphere.
As the situation continues to evolve, the effectiveness of the newly proposed technocratic committee and the broader prospects for Palestinian unity remain to be seen. The international community watches closely, as developments in Gaza could have sweeping implications for the region’s stability and future.
