Mediators Appoint Former Palestinian Deputy Minister Ali Shaath to Lead Technocratic Administration in Post-War Gaza

 

Short Summary

Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye have named former Palestinian deputy minister Ali Shaath to head a new technocratic committee for administering Gaza following the prolonged war. In a joint statement Wednesday, the mediators hailed the move as a crucial step toward stabilizing the territory, improving humanitarian aid, and advancing phase two of the US-brokered ceasefire. US President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of this phase, emphasizing demilitarisation, disarmament of unauthorised groups, and reconstruction of the devastated enclave. Palestinian factions in Cairo endorsed the transitional body, urging its immediate activation to restore services. Witkoff warned Hamas of "serious consequences" for non-compliance, including returning the final deceased hostage, while praising the mediators' efforts.

Long Summary 

In a major step toward post-war governance in Gaza, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye announced on Wednesday that former Palestinian deputy minister Ali Shaath will lead a newly formed technocratic committee responsible for administering the territory. The joint statement from the three mediating countries described the committee's establishment as "an important development" that could enhance humanitarian conditions and facilitate the stalled second phase of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

The announcement coincided with US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, formally declaring the start of phase two of the Gaza ceasefire plan. This stage shifts focus from the initial hostage releases and temporary truce to long-term objectives: establishing a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration, demilitarising the area, disarming all unauthorised armed groups, and overseeing Gaza's massive reconstruction efforts after over a year of devastating conflict that left much of the enclave in ruins.

Witkoff referred to the new body as the "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza," stating it would manage rebuilding projects and ensure compliance with disarmament requirements. He issued a stern warning to Hamas, insisting on full adherence to the agreement—including the return of the final deceased hostage—and noting that failure would trigger "serious consequences." The envoy also commended the mediation roles played by Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar in sustaining the fragile peace.

Meanwhile, Palestinian factions convening in Cairo expressed strong support for the technocratic committee, calling for rapid implementation to enable it to immediately take over governance responsibilities. The groups emphasized the need for the body to restore essential public services amid dire humanitarian needs. The committee is expected to coordinate with an international "peace council" that will supervise and approve reconstruction initiatives, as efforts continue to prevent a resurgence of large-scale violence.

The formation of this non-partisan, technocratic administration represents a compromise approach aimed at sidelining political factions like Hamas in day-to-day governance while addressing immediate needs. Mediators hope it will unlock further aid flows and international funding for rebuilding Gaza, estimated to require tens of billions of dollars.

This development builds on months of diplomatic maneuvering, with the US increasingly prioritizing demilitarisation and stability in the region under the Trump administration.