Fatah, Hamas agree on joint committee to oversee Gaza post-war

Fatah and Hamas, long-standing rivals in Palestinian politics, have reached an agreement to form a joint committee to oversee the post-war administration of the Gaza Strip.

The agreement was revealed on Tuesday by the Qatari-funded news site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, which published the signed document establishing the “Community Support Committee for Administration of Gaza.” The talks, mediated in Cairo last week, mark a significant shift in relations between the two factions.

The agreement still requires formal approval from Palestinian Authority Chairman and President Mahmoud Abbas. According to the document, the committee will comprise technocrats tasked with managing Gaza’s civilian affairs under the Palestinian Authority’s oversight.

“As the Palestinian government, [the committee will be] responsible for all sectors—health, economy, education, agriculture, services, and essential facilities,” the document states. It also assigns the committee authority over humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts following the war.

Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 after violent clashes with Fatah in the “Battle of Gaza,” is reportedly in a weakened position after 14 months of war. With significant losses in its civil and military leadership, Hamas likely had limited bargaining power during the Cairo discussions.

The document outlines the formation of a committee of 10-15 experts, selected for their “integrity, experience, and transparency.” It will include a president, vice president, and department heads for key sectors, including health, education, economy, and humanitarian aid. This committee will also have jurisdiction over Gaza’s ports and land crossings on the Palestinian side, though it remains uncertain if Israel will agree to such terms.

The agreement is part of a broader Egyptian-led effort to secure a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. The proposed committee is described as a temporary solution, active until general elections are held or another governance formula is adopted.

The document emphasizes six principles aimed at uniting the Palestinian Territories of Gaza and the West Bank under a single political entity, with the vision of establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

However, Israel’s stance on the matter remains a significant hurdle. Israel has consistently rejected any post-war role for Hamas in Gaza and insists the Palestinian Authority must undergo significant reforms before assuming control. While Egyptian mediators aim to finalize the agreement by January 20, coinciding with the U.S. presidential inauguration, Israeli officials appear inclined to wait for the incoming Trump administration, anticipating more favorable negotiating conditions.

This agreement, if successful, could represent a historic moment in Palestinian politics, though its implementation faces considerable political and logistical challenges.