Hamas welcomes a new technocratic committee to govern Gaza, calling it crucial for consolidating the ceasefire and preventing a return to conflict.
GAZA CITY: A senior Hamas official has welcomed the formation of a technocratic committee to govern post-war Gaza.
Bassem Naim said the move would help consolidate the ceasefire and prevent a return to fighting.
“The formation of the committee is a step in the right direction,” said Naim, a senior leader in the Palestinian Islamist movement.
“This is crucial for consolidating the ceasefire, preventing a return to war, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and preparing for comprehensive reconstruction.”
Egypt, a mediator in indirect ceasefire talks, announced the formation of the 15-member Palestinian committee.
It will operate under the overall supervision of a “Board of Peace,” to be chaired by US President Donald Trump.
Hamas has exercised total control over public life in Gaza since 2007.
The group has repeatedly said it does not seek a role in any future governing authority and would limit its involvement to monitoring governance.
Naim said Hamas was ready to hand over administration of the Gaza Strip to the national transitional committee.
“The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee,” he said.
He urged them to counter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to “stall or obstruct” the next stages of the ceasefire.
Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, Gaza has been split by a so-called “Yellow Line”.
This marks the boundary between territory controlled by Hamas and areas under Israeli military authority.
Washington’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Wednesday the ceasefire had moved into its second stage.
Key elements include the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the demilitarisation of the territory.
It also involves steps to address the humanitarian crisis through accelerated aid and reconstruction.
The US-proposed Board of Peace is expected to be led on the ground by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov.
Mladenov previously served as the United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process from 2015 until 2020.
Media reports say Trump is expected to announce the members of the Board of Peace in the coming days.
The body is set to include around 15 world leaders.
