Tue Dec 03 12:38:35 UTC 2024: **Hamas and Fatah Agree to Joint Gaza Administration After War**

CAIRO – Hamas and Fatah, rival Palestinian factions, have agreed to form a joint committee to govern Gaza after the recent war with Israel, according to negotiators from both sides. The agreement, brokered by Egypt in Cairo, stipulates a 10-15 member committee composed of non-partisan figures to oversee the territory’s economy, education, health, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction. The committee will also administer the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

The deal requires final approval from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Fatah’s delegation, led by Azzam al-Ahmad, will return to Ramallah to seek this approval. The Hamas delegation was headed by Khalil al-Hayya.

This development comes amidst intensified international efforts to end the Gaza conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel. The US, along with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, are involved in these peace efforts. The agreement is particularly significant given the long-standing rivalry between Hamas and Fatah, stemming from Hamas’s 2007 takeover of Gaza.

The initiative faces potential hurdles, with the incoming Trump administration expected to exert pressure to limit Hamas’s role in Gaza’s post-war governance. The Israeli government, meanwhile, has strongly opposed any Fatah involvement in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in devastating losses, with over 1,200 deaths in Israel and at least 44,466 in Gaza, mostly civilians.

Read More