Cairo hosts first meeting of Palestinian National Committee for Administration of Gaza Strip

CAIRO – 16 January 2026:  The first meeting of the members of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip began Friday in Cairo.

The meeting coincides with an announcement by Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy to the Middle East, regarding the start of the second phase of the agreement. The proceedings follow terms established during a previous meeting of Palestinian factions in Cairo.

- Trump announces 'Peace Council' formation

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the announcement by Witkoff that the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip has begun. Trump also affirmed his support for the new technocratic committee and announced the formation of a "Peace Council" in the Strip, noting that its members would be revealed soon.

Trump stated on the Truth Social platform: "As Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board's High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition. These Palestinian leaders are firmly committed to a peaceful future."

He added: "With the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, we will secure a comprehensive disarmament agreement with Hamas including the surrender of all weapons, and the dismantling of every tunnel. Hamas must immediately honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full demilitarization.

He continued: "As I have said before, they can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is now.”

He continued: “It is my Great Honor to announce that the board of Peace Council has been formed. The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.”

- Committee members arrive in Cairo

All members of the Palestinian National Committee to govern the Gaza Strip arrived in Cairo on Thursday to begin preparatory meetings. This move paves the way for their entry into the Strip and the assumption of temporary administrative responsibilities as part of the agreement’s second phase.

The step is part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to ensure the stability of Gaza, protect its residents and strengthen the foundations of a future Palestinian state in terms of geography, demographics and sovereignty.

The second phase also represents the activation of the Palestinian national administration of the Strip, intended to reinforce Palestinian identity and establish a state presence on the ground.

The plan, overseen by Egypt, stipulates the reconstruction of Gaza after two years of devastation. It is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes economic and social support and infrastructure development, alongside protecting the population and preventing any attempts to displace residents or separate the Strip from the West Bank.

The Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, sponsored by Egypt in conjunction with the United States and other mediators, reflects a political and engineering vision. Its role extends beyond a ceasefire to securing a national Palestinian administration for the sector, preserving international principles and creating a path toward a two-state solution.