Gaza administrative committee begins work from Cairo

• The Palestinian National Committee for Gaza administration started operations from Cairo ahead of moving to Gaza to implement urgent relief plans.
• Violence continues despite the ceasefire, raising the death toll since October 11 to 463.

The Palestinian National Committee for Gaza Administration, headed by Ali Shath, officially began its work from Cairo, preparing to relocate to Gaza to implement a rapid relief plan for Palestinians.

The move followed the announcement by US Middle East envoy Steve Whitcouf of the start of phase two of the Cairo-based agreement between Palestinian factions.

Shath said the committee consisted of 15 professional, moderate Palestinian figures committed to building a national economy. The relief plan, based on an Egyptian blueprint approved by the Arab League and Islamic countries, aims to reconstruct Gaza over five years at a cost of $53 billion, without displacing residents. UN estimates place the cost closer to $70 billion due to the two-year-long genocidal war launched by ‘Israel’ on October 8, 2023.

US support and oversight

US President Donald Trump expressed support for the new technocratic Palestinian committee via Truth Social, stating:

"I support the newly formed Palestinian National Committee for Gaza administration, backed by the High Council for Peace, to manage Gaza during the transitional phase."

Read more: Who is Ali Shaath? Palestinian official eyed to lead Gaza technocrat committee

The High Council for Peace, chaired by Trump, was endorsed by the UN Security Council on November 17, 2025. Its mandate includes coordinating reconstruction, facilitating international funding, supporting disarmament, overseeing aid delivery, and guiding a planned international stabilization force until full Palestinian Authority control is restored.

Continued violence and casualties

On the ground, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported 14 deaths and 18 injuries in the past 24 hours, raising the total since the ceasefire on October 11 to 463 martyrs and 1,269 injured.

Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, casualties have reached 71,455 deaths and 171,347 injured.

Read more: Hamas says continued 'Israeli' killings in Gaza violate ceasefire agreement

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned ‘Israeli’ strikes on civilian homes as violations of the ceasefire, while the ‘Israeli’ military claimed its actions responded to a "serious breach" near Rafah.

UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis

The UN estimates 60 million tons of rubble remain in Gaza, with removal likely taking over seven years. Harsh winter conditions are intensifying the crisis, with fuel shortages posing a critical threat to hospitals and damaged infrastructure, which is reported to have suffered around 90% destruction.

The committee’s work and international efforts aim to contain the impact of two years of ‘Israeli’ genocidal aggression, which has left an estimated 242,000 casualties, mostly women and children, and widespread devastation across the territory.

In an interview with Egyptian media, Ali Shaath revealed that the committee includes 15 Palestinian figures selected based on criteria of “professionalism and moderation”, all of whom have extensive experience in development and humanitarian work.

The committee’s mandate will last for two years as a transitional phase, focusing primarily on:

• Humanitarian efforts: Compensating the most affected groups, such as women and children, for years of blockade and displacement.
• Reconstruction: Implementing the peace plan’s provisions to alleviate the living crisis.
• Government handover: Coordinating with Hamas, which has expressed readiness to transfer government files to ensure smooth operations.

Shaath stated, “Our top priority is to bring back smiles to the children of Gaza and heal the wounds of a people who have suffered the shocks of war.”

He also praised the pivotal role of the Arab Republic of Egypt, thanking the President and Egyptian government for “overcoming obstacles” and hosting this event, which will lay the foundation for rebuilding Gaza.

These developments follow Washington’s announcement of the second phase of its plan to end the war, putting the “National Committee” to a real test before the international community.

The committee’s success in establishing administrative control and improving living conditions will be the cornerstone for any future political settlement.

This step is expected to reduce the “occupation’s” justifications for maintaining the blockade and open the door for international investment and aid to flow into the Gaza Strip.

The biggest challenge remains adherence to timelines and resilience in the face of field challenges, but strong support from the United States and Egypt’s guaranteeing role gives this initiative a chance for success that previous efforts lacked.