Fatah and Hamas Near Gaza Governance Agreement

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Fatah and Hamas Near Gaza Governance Agreement \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas are nearing a deal to establish a politically independent committee to govern Gaza postwar, potentially ending Hamas’ control. The proposed committee, reporting to the Palestinian Authority, aims to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction. While progress has been made, final details and appointments remain unresolved, with opposition from within Fatah and skepticism from Israel.

Palestinians Seek Postwar Unity: Quick Looks

Agreement Progress: Fatah and Hamas discuss forming a neutral governance committee for Gaza.
Committee Goals: Oversee humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and administration post-ceasefire.
Power Shift: Deal could end Hamas’ 17-year control of Gaza.
Israeli Stance: Israel opposes Fatah or Hamas playing a role in Gaza’s governance.
Internal Opposition: Fatah leader Jibril Rajoub criticizes the plan, calling it divisive.
Ceasefire Required: Agreement hinges on ongoing U.S. and Arab-mediated ceasefire negotiations.

Deep Look

Palestinian officials announced progress in negotiations between rival factions Fatah and Hamas to create a governance committee of politically independent technocrats to administer Gaza after the war. The arrangement, if finalized, would mark the end of Hamas’ 17-year control over the territory and support ongoing ceasefire efforts with Israel.

The Governance Proposal

The proposed committee would consist of 12-15 members, predominantly from Gaza, and would report to the Palestinian Authority (PA), headquartered in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Its primary responsibilities would include coordinating with local and international entities to facilitate humanitarian aid and oversee reconstruction efforts in the war-torn territory.

Negotiations have taken place over weeks in Cairo, and while general terms have been agreed upon, final details—such as the selection of committee members—remain under discussion. Both Palestinian and Hamas officials hinted at an announcement after a broader meeting of Palestinian factions in Cairo but offered no definitive timeline.

Challenges and Opposition

Despite progress, the plan has faced resistance from within Fatah. Jibril Rajoub, the secretary-general of Fatah’s central committee, called the proposal a mistake, arguing it entrenches division between Gaza and the West Bank by legitimizing separate administrations. Rajoub insisted that Hamas should relinquish control to the Palestinian Authority entirely, stating, “We represent the unity of the land and the government.”

The Palestinian Authority has faced criticism domestically for its recognition of Israel and cooperation on security matters, which many Palestinians see as enabling Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, Israel has rejected any postwar governance role for Fatah or Hamas, insisting on maintaining security control over Gaza while delegating civilian affairs to local Palestinians unaffiliated with either group.

Israeli Response and Conditions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is dismantled and hostages are returned. He envisions open-ended security control over Gaza and has suggested civilian administration be handled by non-affiliated local Palestinians. However, no Palestinians have volunteered for such a role, and Hamas has warned of reprisals against those who collaborate with the Israeli military.

International Mediation and Ceasefire Talks

The committee’s establishment depends on reaching a ceasefire agreement. American and Arab mediators have spent nearly a year trying to broker peace, but negotiations remain fraught. The Hamas official involved in the talks confirmed that the committee would assume its duties only after a ceasefire is reached.

War’s Toll on Gaza and Israel

The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has devastated Gaza. The assault killed 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and saw around 250 hostages taken into Gaza. At least 100 hostages remain, with reports indicating a third are deceased.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 44,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, with the majority of casualties reportedly being women and children. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, displacing most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

Broader Implications

If implemented, the governance committee could fulfill one of Israel’s war objectives by ending Hamas’ rule in Gaza. However, it remains unclear if Israeli officials would accept this as a satisfactory outcome.

Past attempts at Fatah-Hamas reconciliation have failed, largely due to power struggles between the two factions. Whether this agreement can overcome internal opposition and external skepticism remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The emerging governance deal represents a potential turning point for Gaza’s future but faces numerous hurdles. A resolution requires not only agreement among Palestinian factions but also cooperation from Israel, which remains deeply skeptical of both Fatah and Hamas. As ceasefire talks continue, the fate of Gaza’s postwar administration hangs in the balance.