Positive developments in Hamas-Fatah talks on Gaza governance: Source

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
2 Dec 2024 11:39
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The committee will comprise experts in government and administrative affairs, with its members selected from within Gaza.

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Israeli soldiers stationed atop a tank overlook residential areas in northern Gaza destroyed by Israeli bombardment in January 2024 (AFP)

Recent discussions between Hamas and Fatah regarding governance in the Gaza Strip have seen positive progress, a senior Palestinian official told Al Mayadeen earlier today.

According to the official, the committee to govern the Gaza Strip after the Israeli war will be composed of experts in government and administrative affairs, with members drawn from within Gaza. The official also confirmed that the Palestinian government in Ramallah will oversee the committee’s operations.

Both Hamas and Fatah have agreed that the committee will remain professional and independent, excluding members from either faction, the senior official maintained, highlighting that several Arab countries have offered support to help establish the governing body for Gaza.

Fatah-Hamas Cairo talks on Gaza governance are positive: Exclusive

This echoes a previous statement by a Palestinian source last month, in which he told Al Mayadeen that discussions in Cairo between Fatah and Hamas regarding the governance of Gaza have shown positive developments.

According to the source, both sides have made significant progress in outlining the general principles for a new administrative framework in Gaza.

However, several contentious issues persisted in the finer details, indicating that further negotiation and clarification were still needed.

The source detailed that Hamas has shown support for an administration made up of professional and competent individuals who would coordinate closely with the government in Ramallah. Fatah, on the other hand, prefers that this committee be formally affiliated with the government.

Furthermore, the source indicated that Egypt was expected to advocate for this governance framework among international and regional stakeholders.

However, uncertainties remain, as there is currently no assurance that the Israeli occupation will allow such an administration to operate in the Gaza Strip.

Moreover, a Palestinian official revealed to Al Mayadeen that ceasefire talks in Gaza are stalled and have entered a vicious cycle, stressing, however, that the partial proposal no longer stands.