As a fragile truce holds in Gaza, Fatah on Monday (Jan 12) demanded that any new governing committee be led by a minister from the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA). Spokesperson Munther al-Hayek warned that sidelining the PA could deepen the political and geographic rift between Gaza and the West Bank, threatening relief and reconstruction efforts.
"The Palestinian people are facing a dangerous phase that requires a legitimate political system recognised internationally in order to mobilise global support for relief and reconstruction," al-Hayek said, highlighting the need for unity on the world stage.
Last Saturday, Hamas announced it would dissolve its existing institutions in Gaza as a step toward forming an independent administrative committee within a broader framework for post-October 2025 ceasefire governance. On Monday, the group said it had sent a list of 40 technocratic candidates to Egyptian authorities for the new committee.
Senior Hamas official Mohammad Nazzal claimed both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the PA opposed the proposal, accusing Netanyahu of trying to undermine the ceasefire and deflect from domestic issues.
Since 2007, Hamas has run Gaza's internal affairs following its split with Fatah, while the PA's influence in the Strip has been minimal. Despite this, the PA remains the internationally recognised representative of the Palestinian people, and Fatah insists its leadership is key to securing much-needed global support.
The tensions over governance have flared amid recent violence: an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia reportedly killed Mahmoud Al-Astal, head of the criminal police unit in Khan Younis. According to the Hamas-run interior ministry, gunmen in a passing car opened fire, and Hamas blamed "Israeli collaborators" for the attack.
This is more than a political tug-of-war—it’s a race to establish legitimacy, unlock international aid, and bring stability back to a region desperate for peace. 🤝🕊️
Reference(s):
Fatah demands a PA-led Gaza governance committee amid fragile truce
cgtn.com
