Palestinian groups, including the radical Islamist Hamas, agreed on Friday to temporarily hand over administration of the Gaza Strip to an independent committee of experts. According to a joint statement following a meeting in Cairo, a"provisional Palestinian committee composed of independent technocrats" will manage daily business operations and basic services in the Gaza Strip.
This should be done "in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions." The agreement came after Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement with Israel as a result of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for the Gaza Strip. Hamas had already agreed to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip. The new statement was also published on the Hamas website.
Transitional committee of Palestinians and international experts
However, the question of assembling a transitional administration for the Gaza Strip is complex: According to Trump's plan, a transitional committee composed of Palestinians and international experts would be tasked with the day-to-day administration of the Gaza Strip.
According to the US plan, a"peace council" under Trump's leadership and with the participation of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other heads of state and government would also monitor and oversee the Gaza Expert Council – a proposal previously rejected by Hamas.
Former US ambassador to Yemen to coordinate aid
Meanwhile, the US State Department announced on Friday that the current US ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, would become the civilian director of a new center for the implementation of President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan in the Gaza Strip.
The Civil-Military Coordination Center is also intended to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. The center in southern Israel was opened this week by the US Central Command. Its military director is Lieutenant General Patrick Frank.

