US President Donald Trump supports a new Palestinian technocratic body to govern Gaza during a transitional period, as a fragile ceasefire enters a second phase.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced his support for a newly appointed Palestinian technocratic government to administer Gaza during a transitional period.
“I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board’s High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition,” Trump stated on social media.
The announcement comes as Washington confirmed the launch of a second phase in a ceasefire that began in October but remains fragile.
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Israel and Hamas agreed to Trump’s plan in October, which stipulates the Palestinian body will be overseen by an international “Board of Peace”.
Trump noted the board has been formed, with him as its chair, and its members will be announced shortly.
Since the truce began, over 440 Palestinians, including more than 100 children, and three Israeli soldiers have been reported killed, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
The ceasefire has been strained by the failure to retrieve one last Israeli hostage’s remains and Israeli delays in reopening Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt.
Hamas has also so far refused to disarm, a key challenge for the second phase of the ceasefire.
Washington and mediator partners must now address disarming Hamas, further Israeli withdrawal, and deploying an international peacekeeping force.
According to mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, the 15-member technocratic body will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.
“These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future,” Trump said.
Many experts have criticised Trump chairing the board meant to supervise Gaza’s governance, saying it resembles a colonial structure.
Trump added that Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey will help secure a “comprehensive demilitarization agreement” with Hamas.
Israel’s assault on Gaza since late 2023 has killed tens of thousands, caused a hunger crisis, and displaced the entire population.
Multiple rights experts, scholars, and a UN inquiry say the assault amounts to genocide, while Israel says it acted in self-defence after Hamas’s 2023 attack killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages. – Reuters
