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Palestinian Authority signals readiness for Gaza control as ceasefire deal advances
A significant diplomatic development unfolded Friday as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared the Palestinian Authority's preparedness to assume "complete responsibility" in Gaza, coinciding with Israel's cabinet approval of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas scheduled to begin Sunday morning.
The Palestinian Authority unveiled a comprehensive strategy, including a "hundred-day plan" presented by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, aimed at managing displaced Palestinians' return, providing essential services, overseeing border crossings, and spearheading reconstruction efforts in the war-torn territory.
The question of Gaza's post-war governance remains complex. Hamas has maintained control since 2007, when it assumed power following a brief civil war with Abbas's Fatah movement, resulting in the PA's effective removal from the territory. Israel subsequently designated Gaza as a "hostile" territory and implemented a comprehensive blockade.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected both Hamas and PA involvement in Gaza's future administration, though Hamas sources indicated to AFP their willingness to transfer the Strip's civilian affairs to a Palestinian entity. The United States and several Arab nations support PA administration, while acknowledging the need for internal reforms.
The ceasefire agreement, approved by Israel's cabinet in a 24-8 vote after seven hours of deliberation, is set to commence Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time. The initial six-week phase involves exchanging 33 Israeli captives for 735 Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the agreement, Israeli forces have intensified operations since Wednesday's announcement. Gaza's Civil Defense reported over 120 Palestinian casualties, including 30 children. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza indicated that Israeli operations have resulted in more than 46,000 Palestinian deaths and 110,000 injuries during the 15-month military campaign.
The agreement includes provisions to increase humanitarian aid to 600 trucks daily, a substantial increase from January's early weeks. However, the United Nations indicated Thursday that this enhancement represents only an initial step in addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
Analysts expressed concerns about the ceasefire's durability. Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group noted Israel's pattern of ceasefire violations, while Palestinian legal scholar Diana Buttu highlighted the agreement's ambiguous terms, particularly regarding Israeli withdrawal conditions.
Abbas emphasized his call for "an immediate ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza," asserting the State of Palestine's legal and political authority over the Strip as part of occupied Palestinian territory. He firmly opposed any territorial division of Gaza or forced displacement of Palestinians.
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