Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s intelligence chief has reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to supporting the newly formed Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering Gaza, as regional and international efforts intensify to shape the territory’s post-war governance.
Major General Hassan Rashad, head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, received Ali Shath, chairman of the Palestinian technocrats’ committee for Gaza, along with other committee members, during a meeting in Cairo on Saturday. According to an official Egyptian statement, Rashad emphasized Egypt’s firm determination to ensure the success of the committee and to provide full support as it begins assuming its responsibilities in the war-ravaged enclave.
The meeting comes at a critical moment for Gaza, which continues to face severe humanitarian challenges after months of conflict, widespread destruction, and prolonged political division. Shath and the committee members expressed their appreciation for Egypt’s sustained role in supporting Gaza, praising in particular President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians and his insistence on preserving the Palestinian cause amid mounting regional pressures.
During the discussions, the Palestinian delegation outlined the committee’s immediate priorities, which center on improving living conditions for Gaza’s population. Chief among these goals is the opening of all border crossings to allow the entry of the largest possible volume of humanitarian aid, food supplies, and emergency relief materials, amid warnings from international organizations about deteriorating conditions inside the strip.
The Egyptian statement noted that both sides consulted on the practical steps required for the committee to take over its full range of duties inside Gaza. These steps are seen as essential to stabilizing daily life, restoring basic services, and coordinating relief efforts in the short term.
The developments follow an announcement by the White House late Friday confirming the formation of a “Gaza Executive Council,” which includes General Hassan Rashad among its members. According to the US administration, the council is intended to support effective governance and the delivery of essential services, with the stated aim of promoting peace, stability, and long-term prosperity for Gaza’s residents.
Ali Shath arrived in Cairo on Thursday to begin the committee’s first round of meetings, shortly after Washington declared the launch of the second phase of a broader plan to end the war in Gaza. That phase reportedly focuses on moving beyond a ceasefire toward disarmament, the establishment of a technocratic governing structure, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts. Palestinian factions have signaled support for the committee’s work, while Hamas has indicated readiness to hand over civilian administrative files as part of the transition.
Earlier this week, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the rollout of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, describing it as a shift toward technocratic governance and reconstruction following the cessation of hostilities. Mediators subsequently confirmed that the Palestinian technocratic committee had been fully formed, with Shath, a development expert, appointed as its chairman.
On Friday, Shath announced the official start of the committee’s work from Cairo, describing its formation as the result of broad national consensus and a formal mandate from the Palestinian leadership. He said the committee also enjoys international and American backing aimed at helping Palestinians emerge from the current crisis.
In an interview with Egyptian television, Shath stated that his appointment rests on solid legal and political foundations, citing a relevant UN Security Council resolution and the US-backed peace framework. He stressed that the Palestinian leadership envisions the committee as a vital link between Gaza and the West Bank, helping to pave the way toward national unity and, ultimately, an independent Palestinian state.
The committee now faces a daunting agenda. Its initial meetings have focused on urgent and overlapping files related to the aftermath of war and years of political division. While its mandate is temporary and largely technocratic, the committee is expected to play a central role in coordinating humanitarian aid, overseeing early reconstruction efforts, and restoring a degree of order on the ground.
Despite its limited scope and avoidance of final-status political decisions, the committee’s work carries significant implications for Gaza’s future. As regional actors, international stakeholders, and Palestinian factions watch closely, Egypt’s role as a mediator and guarantor remains pivotal in determining whether this transitional arrangement can translate into tangible relief and stability for Gaza’s long-suffering population.
