Hamas supports 15-member technocratic committee in Gaza to maintain ceasefire, oversee reconstruction, and step aside from governance.

A senior Hamas commander hailed the formation of a technocratic committee to rule Gaza following the conflict, calling it as a potential step toward maintaining the ceasefire and preventing hostilities from resuming.

Egypt, which has been mediating indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, has announced the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic council. The committee will report to a proposed “Board of Peace” chaired by US President Donald Trump.

According to Hamas chairman Bassem Naim, the establishing of the committee is a positive step towards progress. This is critical for sustaining the ceasefire, averting a resumption of hostilities, resolving the devastating humanitarian catastrophe, and planning for complete reconstruction.”

Since 2007, Hamas has maintained complete control over Gaza’s public life. The present conflict was sparked by its October 2023 attack on Israel.

Hamas indicates a willingness to step aside.

Naim reiterated that Hamas does not desire a part in any future governing authority and will just monitor the governance process. He stated that the organization is prepared to hand over administrative control of Gaza to the transitional committee and help its operation.

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“The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor, and the international community to empower the committee,” Naim said, pushing them to fight what he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to hinder or block the ceasefire’s next phases.

Ceasefire Enters Second Stage

Since October 10, Gaza has been separated by a “Yellow Line,” which separates Hamas-controlled areas from Israeli military control zones.

Steve Witkoff, Washington’s top envoy, said the truce has reached its second stage, which includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli soldiers, the demilitarization of Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and measures to accelerate humanitarian relief and reconstruction work.

Board of Peace, Leadership

The proposed US Board of Peace is expected to be directed on the ground by Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat who served as the UN ambassador for the Middle East peace process from 2015 to 2020.

President Trump is anticipated to unveil the Board’s members in the coming days, with the group likely to consist of 15 foreign leaders.