…the world continues to fail in ensuring Palestinians’ right to live free from Israel’s occupation and ongoing violations
In a significant development, Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have agreed to create a joint committee to govern the Gaza Strip following the latest round of conflict. The committee’s formation is seen as a crucial step toward postwar reconstruction and governance, with the promise of a new, politically independent leadership structure. This agreement, brokered by Egypt, marks a potential turning point in Palestinian politics and a shift away from the decades-long division between the two factions.
The committee, composed of 10 to 15 technocrats, will manage key sectors including education, health, the economy, and humanitarian aid, with international actors expected to play a supporting role in the reconstruction process.
According to a draft of the proposal, which was reviewed by negotiators, the committee will also oversee the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, the sole non-Israeli access point for Gaza. However, final approval for the agreement must come from Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas.
Bridging the Divide Between Hamas and Fatah
For nearly two decades, Hamas and Fatah have been embroiled in a bitter rivalry. Since Hamas’s control of Gaza in 2007, following a brief civil war with Fatah, the two factions have remained politically and geographically divided. Despite numerous reconciliation efforts, including peace talks brokered by regional players such as Egypt and Qatar, progress has been slow and fragile.
This latest agreement, however, signals a potential shift in the relationship between the two factions. Both sides have acknowledged the need for an independent, technocratic committee to govern Gaza’s postwar recovery, particularly as the region faces the monumental task of rebuilding after the devastating genocide began in Gaza by Israel on October 7, 2023.
The agreement comes at a time when both internal Palestinian politics and international diplomacy are in flux. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has served as the head of the PA since 2005 despite only being elected for a four-year term, is widely seen as a figurehead with diminishing influence. His recent appointment of an interim successor has raised questions about the future of Fatah’s leadership. Meanwhile, Hamas, which has long been at odds with Fatah, has shown a willingness to move past its traditional stance on governance in Gaza, potentially offering a platform for broader Palestinian unity.
A Technocratic Approach to Governance
The creation of a committee composed of non-partisan technocrats represents a pragmatic approach to governance in Gaza, one that aims to bypass the partisan divisions that have stymied Palestinian leadership for years. The committee will be tasked with managing essential services like healthcare, education, and economic recovery, as well as coordinating international humanitarian aid. The involvement of international partners is seen as critical, especially as the region needs substantial financial and logistical support to rebuild its war-torn infrastructure.
The focus on technocrats is a clear attempt to depoliticize the administration of Gaza’s postwar recovery. By putting aside party loyalty, the committee aims to deliver services efficiently and transparently, giving Palestinians hope for a more stable and prosperous future. However, the success of the committee will depend on the degree to which both Hamas and Fatah are willing to cede control and allow the technocrats to operate independently of political interference.
The Rafah Border Crossing: A Key Point of Control
One of the key components of the agreement is the joint administration of the Rafah border crossing. This crossing is the only point of entry and exit for Gaza that does not involve Israeli control, making it a vital lifeline for the territory. Under the new agreement, both Hamas and Fatah will share responsibility for managing the border, ensuring that humanitarian aid, goods, and people can move freely between Gaza and Egypt.
The Rafah crossing has been a critical point of contention in the past, with both factions vying for control over this key access point. With the creation of a joint administration, there is potential for greater cooperation and coordination, which could help stabilize the region and allow for more effective delivery of humanitarian aid.
International Support and the Path Forward
International actors, including the United States, the European Union, Egypt, and Qatar, have long called for a unified Palestinian governance structure as a prerequisite for lasting peace and stability in Gaza. The agreement between Hamas and Fatah could be seen as a response to these calls, signaling that the Palestinian leadership is willing to put aside differences in the interest of postwar recovery.
While the agreement holds promise for Palestinian unity, key challenges remain. The committee needs President Abbas’s approval amid doubts about his leadership, must resist political interference from Hamas and Fatah, and relies on international support for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The formation of a joint committee to govern Gaza marks a crucial step toward Palestinian unity and recovery. By adopting a technocratic approach, Hamas and Fatah demonstrate a readiness to rebuild Gaza collaboratively. Success hinges on the committee’s independence from political interference and its ability to provide essential services.
As the international community watches closely, the path forward remains uncertain, but this agreement marks a glimmer of hope for a more stable and unified Palestinian future, while the world continues to fail in ensuring Palestinians’ right to live free from Israel’s occupation and ongoing violations.
