Hamas accepts Egyptian proposal for joint Palestinian committee to govern Gaza

Hamas said Thursday it has accepted an Egyptian proposal to form a joint Palestinian committee to administer the Gaza Strip after the ongoing war with Israel ends.

In a statement, Hamas said it held talks with Fatah in Cairo about implementing previously agreed frameworks aimed at achieving Palestinian unity.

“Hamas conveyed its approval of an Egyptian proposal for forming a community support committee that will function through inclusive national mechanisms,” it added.

Hamas also said it held talks with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) to discuss developments in Gaza and the West Bank. Additional meetings were held with Palestinian figures to share updates on the discussions.

Since 2007, Hamas has controlled Gaza, while the Palestinian Authority, led by Fatah, governs parts of the West Bank. Repeated attempts at mediation have failed to reconcile the two factions.

Israel launched a war on Gaza following a Hamas attack in October 2023, resulting in nearly 44,600 deaths, many of them civilians, and more than 105,700 injuries. The conflict has sparked growing international condemnation, with aid blockades and civilian casualties drawing widespread criticism.

Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.