Gaza administration committee demands full powers to begin transition

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza on Saturday called for full administrative, civil and policing powers to enable it to carry out its duties in the besieged enclave "efficiently and independently", as it seeks to assume control during a fragile transitional phase.

In a statement, the committee said recent declarations from within Gaza, including from the Hamas-led government, expressing readiness to hand over management of all public institutions and facilities were "a step in the interest" of the people of Gaza.

The committee said this would pave the way for it to assume full responsibility for overseeing the transitional period.

It described the "declaration of readiness for an orderly transition" as a “pivotal milestone to begin exercising its duties as a transitional administration of the Strip, and a real opportunity to halt humanitarian deterioration and preserve the resilience of citizens who have suffered immense pain throughout the past period".

Various government sectors in Gaza have previously issued statements affirming their readiness to transfer powers. However, the committee faces significant obstacles, including differing interpretations of its mandate and what Palestinian sources describe as Israel’s disregard for the body.

Israel has so far not allowed the committee to enter Gaza and it is operating from Cairo.

"The priority at this stage is to ensure the flow of aid without obstacles, launch the reconstruction process, and create the necessary conditions to strengthen the unity of our people," the committee said.

It stressed that this path must be based on "clear and specific understandings characterised by transparency, enforceability and follow-up", in line with the 20-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

The committee warned that it cannot effectively fulfil its responsibilities unless it is granted "the full administrative and civil powers necessary to perform its tasks in addition to policing duties".

"Responsibility requires genuine empowerment that enables [the committee] to work efficiently and independently" the statement said, adding that such steps would open the door to serious international support for reconstruction, pave the way for a full Israeli withdrawal, and help restore normal daily life.

The committee called on mediators and all concerned parties to accelerate the resolution of outstanding issues "without delay", saying: "Our people cannot endure further postponement, and the stage requires immediate action to ensure an orderly and reliable transition."

Separately, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for the removal of "all obstacles" imposed by Israel on implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa at the 39th African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Abbas said:

"We stress the necessity of removing all obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation to the implementation of arrangements related to the second phase of the agreement, including the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which will temporarily manage the Strip."

The committee was formed under a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump aimed at restructuring governance in Gaza and replacing the Hamas-led administration that has overseen the enclave for years.

Its formation was announced in mid-January in Cairo and it is led by Ali Shaath, a former minister in the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian factional sources say Israel has not provided the financial support required for the committee to assume its responsibilities, as well as denying it entry into Gaza.

A conference planned by Trump later this month is expected to address outstanding issues and could pave the way for the committee’s arrival in Gaza and the commencement of its duties, according to the same sources.