In a significant development, the Hamas militant group announced on Sunday its readiness to dissolve its existing administrative body in the Gaza Strip. This move is contingent upon the formation of a Palestinian technocratic leadership committee, a key mandate of the US-brokered peace initiative. However, the group did not provide a specific timeline for this transition.
Uncertainties Surround New Governance
Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority have yet to publicly name the proposed technocrats, who are required to be politically unaffiliated. It remains uncertain whether the proposed individuals will gain approval from both Israel and the United States. The peace plan envisions oversight by an international "Board of Peace," led by former US President Donald Trump. This board is tasked with supervising the new government, overseeing the ceasefire that began on October 10, managing the disarmament of Hamas, and deploying an international security force. The members of this board have not been announced.
An Egyptian official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Hamas is dispatching a delegation for talks with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish officials to discuss advancing to the second phase of the agreement. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem, via Telegram, urged for an acceleration in establishing the technocratic committee. The Egyptian official added that Hamas will meet with other Palestinian factions this week to finalize the committee's formation, led by top Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.
Ceasefire Under Strain as Death Toll Rises
Despite the truce, violence continues to plague Gaza. Palestinian hospital officials reported that Israeli gunfire killed three Palestinians on Sunday. Two men were shot dead in the southern town of Bani Suhaila, according to Nasser Hospital. Earlier, a man was killed by Israeli fire in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, as reported by Al-Ahly hospital.
The Israeli military stated its forces fired at and hit a "terrorist" in northern Gaza who approached troops, and later reported a similar incident in the south. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Local health officials state that continued Israeli strikes in Gaza since the ceasefire began have resulted in over 400 Palestinian fatalities. The Israeli military maintains that any actions post-ceasefire are responses to violations of the agreement.
Diplomatic Moves and Political Scandal
On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been selected as the director-general of the "Board of Peace." Mladenov, a former UN Mideast peace envoy, is known for his good working relations with Israel. Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Jerusalem. Saar reiterated Israel's commitment to the Trump plan, while Motegi expressed Japan's willingness to play an active role in the ceasefire process.
In a related political development, Israeli police questioned a top official from Netanyahu's office, identified by media as Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, over alleged obstruction in an investigation into a leak of classified information to a German tabloid in 2024. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for Braverman's suspension from his upcoming ambassadorial post to the UK. Foreign Minister Saar defended the appointment, stating Braverman would not be removed unless formally charged.
