The White House on Friday announced a new technocratic committee to oversee Gaza’s transition, unveiling an ambitious framework within President Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point plan. Dr Ali Sha’ath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister, will lead the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
Officials described Sha’ath as a respected technocratic figure tasked with restoring public services, rebuilding institutions, and stabilising daily life across Gaza. A Gaza Executive Board will support governance, bringing together regional and international figures from diplomacy, development, and conflict mediation.
Named members include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and former British prime minister Tony Blair. The board will also feature UAE minister Reem Al-Hashimy, veteran Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, and Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad.
The White House separately announced a founding Executive Board to guide a new Board of Peace chaired by President Trump. That group includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, financier Marc Rowan, and World Bank head Ajay Banga.
The move follows Witkoff’s announcement that the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, shifting focus to demilitarisation, governance, and reconstruction. The first phase, launched in October, halted major fighting, enabled partial Israeli withdrawal, and facilitated hostage and detainee exchanges. The second phase calls for a full Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Hamas, and deployment of an International Stabilisation Force.
Palestinian officials say Israel has repeatedly violated the truce, after a war that Gaza authorities report killed more than 71,000 people. Since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry says nearly 450 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,200 wounded. The latest plan seeks to replace ruins with institutions, offering Gaza a fragile bridge from devastation towards uncertain governance.