Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a native of Gaza, has been named to chair a newly formed committee. This committee’s charge is to stabilize and rebuild the region. The move now forms part of a broader, United Nations-backed American effort to demilitarize Gaza and re-establish essential public services. The Interim Gaza Committee would include 15 members, each given a discrete portfolio absolutely vital to the long-term success of Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the board, calling it “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.” The creation of this committee is an important step towards addressing the challenges and complexities of Gaza’s governance and political stability. The long-term aim of this pilot has always been to open doors towards Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
The board will also emphasize returning key public services and institutions critical to stabilizing life in Gaza. Dr. Sha’ath’s leadership is sorely needed in today’s political climate. Good governance is a desperate need in the resource-rich region more than ever. It is expected that the committee will govern Gaza till a reconstituted Palestinian Authority is able to assume control.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. This decision is a huge game changer for the board’s operations. Israel has effective veto power over the committee members. This unambitious control undermines key questions of representation and the wisdom of the proposed governance structure.
Importantly, there will be no representation from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority on the committee. This exclusion has led to a fiery debate. It limits the potential for more thorough inclusion of Palestinian perspectives in developing a stabilization program. As part of those committee’s efforts, the U.N.’s Nickolay Mladenov will act as the high representative for Gaza.
Honoring Dr. Sha’ath are celebrated members from across this board. These among others former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canada’s leader Mark Carney, U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Each member brings valuable specialized expertise and influence to the table, underscoring the board’s commitment to confront Gaza’s complex challenges.
This committee should catalyze recovery and long-term development in Gaza by prioritizing a strategic, development-oriented approach. This brave step caters to international frameworks for governance and expectations. The board’s focus on restoring public services aims to alleviate immediate hardships faced by Gazans and contribute to long-term stability.
