Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said on Monday that a temporary committee will soon be formed to manage the Gaza Strip, describing it as “a step to restore public services and prepare for the return of normal life” after nearly two years of Israeli bombardment.
The announcement came during Mustafa’s visit to North Sinai, Egypt, where he toured field hospitals and aid hubs set up to treat wounded Palestinians from Gaza.
“We will soon announce a temporary committee to manage Gaza’s affairs,” Mustafa told reporters at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty near the Rafah border crossing. “This is not a new political entity. It will operate under the Palestinian government’s authority in line with the Basic Law, Arab League resolutions, and international frameworks.”
The initiative comes amid faltering ceasefire talks and growing international calls for a sustainable governance plan in Gaza following 22 months of Israeli military operations, which have devastated civilian infrastructure and displaced over a million residents.
Mustafa, who assumed office in March, said the Palestinian government is ready to assume responsibility for the Strip in partnership with Egypt, friendly governments, international agencies, and local stakeholders. “We are working under a national strategy to ensure continuity of basic services and stabilization,” he said.
The idea of a nonpartisan administrative committee has been floated for months in reconciliation talks among Palestinian factions. In March, Hamas said it would support a temporary body composed of independent national figures to run Gaza until elections could be held.
However, progress on political arrangements has stalled. Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza after halting the second phase of a truce agreement reached in January, despite calls from Hamas and regional mediators to continue negotiations.
Mustafa did not specify when the committee would begin work or what its exact mandate would include. But he said its top priorities would be “delivering essential services, coordinating relief efforts, and ensuring security stability.”
Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty reiterated Cairo’s rejection of any plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza.
“We categorically reject any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land,” Abdelatty said during the same news conference. “Our position on the Palestinian cause is firm and unwavering.”
He also denounced recent Israeli rhetoric around a so-called “Greater Israel” project, which would expand Israeli territorial control into parts of neighboring Arab states.
“Egypt will not be part of any historical injustice to the Palestinian people,” Abdelatty said.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu renewed his support for the idea of Greater Israel, suggesting it as part of a spiritual and historical mission. The remarks drew strong condemnation from Arab and Muslim nations.
In January, the United States reportedly asked Egypt and Jordan to consider taking in Gaza civilians as temporary refugees. Both countries firmly rejected the proposal, which was also denounced by human rights groups as tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
On Aug. 8, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan for “full military control” of Gaza City, including the deployment of reserves and drills for further operations.
The Rafah crossing—vital for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations—has remained largely closed since May, when Israel tightened restrictions.
