Palestinian Factions Agree to Independent Committee to Govern Gaza

Palestinian factions have agreed to establish an independent committee of technocrats to manage the administration of the Gaza Strip. This decision follows Hamas's announcement of receiving "clear guarantees" from mediators that "the war has effectively ended."

In a joint statement released on Hamas's website, the factions detailed their plan to transfer Gaza's administration to a temporary Palestinian committee composed of independent technocrats. This committee will oversee daily affairs and basic services in collaboration with Arab nations and international institutions.

The statement also called for a meeting to agree on a national strategy and to revitalize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Notably, Hamas is not currently part of the PLO, which is dominated by its longtime rival, Fatah.

In related developments, Fadwa Barghouti, wife of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene for her husband's release from Israeli custody. In a letter addressed to Trump, she stated, "Mr. President, a genuine partner awaits you—one who can help fulfill the dream we share of just and lasting peace in the region. For the sake of freedom for the Palestinian people and peace for all future generations, help release Marwan Barghouti."

President Trump acknowledged the appeal, telling Time magazine, "I am literally being confronted with that question about 15 minutes before you called. That was my question of the day. So I'll be making a decision."

Marwan Barghouti, 66, has been imprisoned since 2002, serving multiple life sentences for his role in attacks that resulted in the deaths of five civilians. His trial was criticized as deeply flawed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Barghouti is widely regarded among Palestinians as a potential unifying leader capable of bridging divides between rival factions.

Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to Israel, expressed hope for assembling an international force to monitor the ceasefire in Gaza. He noted that Israel could veto participants, emphasizing the need for a force acceptable to all parties involved.

Hamas has stated that it received "clear guarantees" from mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that "the war has effectively ended." The group has called for increased pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The World Health Organization reported that, despite the ceasefire, there has been little improvement in the amount of aid entering Gaza, with no observable reduction in hunger. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked, "The situation still remains catastrophic because what's entering is not enough."