Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Thursday expressed support for the creation of a temporary technocratic body to administer the Gaza Strip. The countries emphasized that the new body must manage day-to-day civilian affairs while preserving ties with the West Bank.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates highlighted the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip. They said the committee would play a central role in the ongoing peace process.
The ministers stressed that the committee should ensure institutional and territorial unity between Gaza and the West Bank. They called on all parties to reject any attempts to divide the territory amid ongoing conflicts.
The National Committee was officially announced on January 14 and is described as a temporary transitional body. Its establishment aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
The committee is expected to coordinate closely with the Palestinian Authority to oversee civilian administration. Officials said its mandate would focus on essential services and governance for the people of Gaza.
According to the ministers, the committee forms part of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza. The ministers voiced support for the peace plan as a path to ending the war.
They praised efforts aimed at ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces and preventing annexation of occupied West Bank territories. The ministers reiterated the importance of a unified Palestinian governance structure.
The joint statement recalled a summit last September in New York. During that meeting, top leaders from all eight countries engaged with President Trump prior to the unveiling of the Gaza peace plan.
Foreign ministers emphasized that the committee’s immediate responsibility is to manage the daily affairs of Gaza’s population. They noted that humanitarian stability is essential for the success of the broader peace initiative.
The ministers underscored that the committee must operate transparently and inclusively, ensuring the rights and welfare of all Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
They called for a consolidation of the existing ceasefire agreements, highlighting that security and civilian protections must be upheld.
The statement also underlined the need for unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza. Ensuring aid delivery is central to alleviating the suffering of displaced and vulnerable populations.
In parallel, Saudi Arabia continued its humanitarian support to Gaza. On Wednesday, a new aid convoy from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center arrived in central Gaza.
The convoy delivered food baskets intended to meet the immediate nutritional needs of families residing in temporary tent settlements. These deliveries target displaced populations who have been enduring hardship for months.
Saudi officials noted that this aid represents the latest installment in a sustained series of relief operations. The effort is part of a broader fundraising campaign to support Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The Kingdom’s initiative highlights its leading role in global humanitarian response, particularly in crisis zones affecting vulnerable populations.
The ministers collectively reaffirmed that international cooperation is essential to secure lasting peace and stability in Gaza. They emphasized coordination between regional governments, the UN, and Palestinian authorities.
They also reiterated the importance of protecting Palestinian rights, infrastructure, and livelihoods during the transitional period. Transparent governance and humanitarian support were identified as complementary goals.
Officials concluded that the National Committee must begin work promptly, balancing civilian administration with the preservation of territorial unity. The committee’s role is temporary but critical for the peace process.
The joint declaration signals a shared commitment from eight Muslim-majority countries to support Gaza’s civilian population while encouraging long-term political solutions.
Observers note that the combination of governance initiatives and humanitarian aid could set a precedent for managing conflict zones elsewhere, balancing political transition with immediate civilian needs.
The ministers pledged ongoing monitoring of the committee’s operations, urging adherence to international law and respect for Palestinian self-governance rights. The coordinated efforts aim to stabilize Gaza and prepare for the eventual restoration of broader Palestinian administration.
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