US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his backing for a newly formed Palestinian technocratic government in Gaza, as Washington moves ahead with the fragile second phase of a ceasefire that came into effect in October.
President Trump said he is backing a newly appointed “Palestinian Technocratic Government,” formally known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The body is intended to govern Gaza during a transitional period following months of war and devastation.
Trump said the committee will operate under the supervision of an international “Board of Peace,” which he chairs, with other members to be announced shortly.
Ceasefire plan and international oversight
Israel and Hamas signed off in October on Trump’s ceasefire plan, which envisioned a technocratic Palestinian body overseeing Gaza’s administration. The arrangement places the new committee under international supervision to guide Gaza through a transition phase.
Trump described the Palestinian leaders involved as “unwaveringly committed to a peaceful future,” though critics have argued that the structure resembles a colonial-style governance model.
Fragile truce marked by continued violence
Despite the ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations. Since October, more than 440 Palestinians, including over 100 children, and three Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed.
Tensions have also been fueled by Israel’s delays in reopening Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt, Hamas’ refusal to disarm, and the failure to recover the remains of the last Israeli hostage.
Challenges ahead in second phase
With the launch of the second phase, Washington and mediators face major hurdles. These include disarming Hamas, coordinating further Israeli troop withdrawals linked to that disarmament, and deploying an international peacekeeping force.
Trump said Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey would help secure what he called a “comprehensive demilitarization agreement” with Hamas.
Structure of Gaza administration
According to a joint statement by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, the Palestinian technocratic body will consist of 15 members. It will be headed by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority who previously oversaw industrial zone development.
The committee is tasked with managing Gaza’s day-to-day affairs during the transition.
Regional ministers welcome Gaza committee
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar welcomed the formation of the Gaza committee on January 14, 2026.
In a joint statement, they said the body was established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and within the framework of the second phase of Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan.
The ministers stressed that the committee must preserve Gaza’s institutional and territorial link with the West Bank and reject any attempts to divide Palestinian land.
They called for consolidating the ceasefire, halting violations, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid, and launching early recovery and reconstruction efforts across Gaza.
Path toward Palestinian statehood
The joint statement emphasized paving the way for the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in Gaza. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace based on UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the two-state solution.
They reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
