Palestinian Factions Including Hamas Agree on Technocrat Committee to Administer Post-War Gaza

Hamas has clearly stated its unwillingness to govern Gaza after the war concludes.

In Egypt, the principal Palestinian political factions, including Hamas, announced on Friday their agreement to establish an independent committee of technocrats to oversee post-war Gaza operations.

According to a joint statement published on the Hamas website, during discussions in Cairo, the groups consented to "transfer the administration of the Gaza Strip to a temporary Palestinian committee consisting of independent technocrats."

The statement indicated that this committee would "manage the affairs of daily life and essential services in collaboration with Arab brothers and international institutions."

The factions also agreed to work toward unifying a common position "to address the challenges confronting the Palestinian cause."

They called for a comprehensive meeting of all forces and factions to "agree on a national strategy and to revitalize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people."

Hamas is not currently part of the PLO, which remains dominated by its longtime rival Fatah.

An informed source revealed to AFP on Thursday that delegations from Hamas and Fatah convened in Cairo to discuss the second phase of a US-backed ceasefire plan for Gaza.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source stated that both parties agreed to "continue meetings in the upcoming period and to work on organizing the Palestinian internal front in response to challenges posed by the Israeli government."

Alongside the Hamas-Fatah discussions, Egypt's intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met with senior officials from key Palestinian factions.

These included Islamic Jihad, a Hamas ally, as well as the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—both organizations within the PLO framework.

Hamas and Fatah share a history of deep political rivalry, which previously erupted into conflict following a 2006 election, hampering efforts toward Palestinian national unity.

In December 2024, they agreed to establish a committee for joint administration of post-war Gaza. This agreement faced criticism, particularly from Fatah members.

Hamas, which seized control of the territory in 2007, has already made clear that it does not wish to govern the post-war territory, though it has resisted demands to disarm its fighters.