Palestinian factions reject foreign oversight in Gaza despite the ongoing truce.
Hamas and various allied Palestinian factions have issued a joint reaffirmation that decisions regarding the future governance of Gaza will remain an “internal Palestinian matter,” coinciding with the implementation of a ceasefire in the region. The statement, released on Friday, was collectively endorsed by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). These groups emphasized the resilience of the Palestinian people, asserting that this steadfastness has thwarted attempts by foreign entities to impose forced displacement in Gaza.
The factions expressed their commitment to rejecting any form of foreign oversight, asserting that the governance of Gaza and its institutions should be shaped by the Palestinian populace itself. The groups have announced plans to convene an “urgent comprehensive national meeting” aimed at discussing strategic next steps in the aftermath of the ceasefire. This meeting is intended to unify the Palestinian stance and develop a cohesive national strategy that prioritizes partnership, credibility, and transparency in rebuilding national institutions.
Uncertainty remains regarding the participation of Fatah, the faction that leads the Palestinian Authority, in this upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, a 20-point Gaza plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy. This plan suggests the establishment of an international body dubbed the “Board of Peace” to supervise a technocratic interim authority in Gaza, with Trump himself hypothetically at its helm alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, the connection between this plan and the current ceasefire raises questions about the future governance structure in Gaza.
In the wake of the ceasefire, humanitarian actions are also being prioritized. Al Jazeera has reported that a component of the agreement involves the return of Israeli captives by Hamas and the facilitation of at least 600 aid trucks per day to Gaza. Additionally, efforts are being made to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, including water facilities, and establish necessary shelters for displaced individuals. As the Israeli military begins to withdraw from certain coastal areas, thousands of displaced Palestinians are making their way back home.
Although substantial hardships remain, including the tragic recovery of victims amid destruction in Gaza, there is an ongoing call from the Gaza Government Media Office for a comprehensive reconstruction effort. Initial phases of the agreement include clearing rubble as an essential step towards rebuilding. Notably, United Nations agencies and various aid organizations will oversee the distribution of humanitarian assistance, a move aimed at alleviating the challenges posed by previous mechanisms criticized by human rights groups.
As the ceasefire unfolds, the commitment to humanitarian efforts continues to be the focus, ensuring that the needs of Gazans are met during this critical period.
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