Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa announced the creation of a new committee to manage Gaza’s affairs, a step that excludes Hamas from governing the territory. This decision addresses the ongoing uncertainty about Gaza’s administration after the war.
“To uphold the unity of Palestinian lands and strengthen national unity, the Palestinian government, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has decided to form a committee to handle Gaza’s affairs,” Mustafa said at the start of a cabinet meeting.
The premier announced that the government is operating in Gaza through an emergency operations room to provide basic services such as water, electricity, healthcare and education.
Efforts are also underway to clear rubble, open roads, deliver humanitarian aid, and provide shelter for those whose homes were destroyed, in preparation for reconstruction.
“This is part of our responsibility to our people who have suffered through 15 months of war,” Mustafa said.
The government aims to pave the way for the Palestinian Authority to control Gaza after the conflict.
However, this is a complicated issue, as it requires approval from Israel, international and Arab support, as well as Hamas’ agreement, which still holds control over the enclave.
Mustafa did not clarify whether the new committee would work with Hamas, but a source within the Palestinian Authority told Asharq Al-Awsat that Hamas should step down from ruling Gaza and not be involved in any committee related to it.
“Having Hamas involved will delay all efforts. They must hand over control to the Palestinian Authority if they truly want to help people and rebuild Gaza,” the source said.
Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007.
Abbas has previously rejected pressure to form a joint committee with Hamas, insisting the group must surrender control of Gaza to allow the unification of Palestinian institutions.
At the end of last month, Mustafa stated that Gaza’s reconstruction requires excluding Hamas from power.
In a first step, the Palestinian Authority, in coordination with the EU, took control of the Rafah crossing to allow patients to enter Egypt for treatment without Hamas' involvement.
