Ali Abdel Hamid Sha’ath has recently emerged from relative obscurity to assume the role of chairperson of Gaza’s new transitional government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). Announced by the Trump administration, this 15-member committee is responsible for overseeing daily governance in Gaza, a region plagued by war and strife, affecting approximately 2 million residents. US officials view this committee, composed mainly of Palestinian technocrats, as a functional government that will operate under the anticipated “Board of Peace,” which will include significant global leaders.
The executive board for the Board of Peace includes notable figures such as US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Marc Rowan of Apollo Global Management. Nickolay Mladenov, a former Bulgarian defense minister, has been appointed as the high representative overseeing the Palestinian committee’s activities.
Sha’ath, a 68-year-old civil engineer with a background in planning and development, has previously served as a deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. His selection as the leader of this initiative is seen as opportunistic given the intricate negotiations involving multiple stakeholders including Israel, Hamas, and regional powers. Despite the support for the NCAG from various Palestinian factions, the challenges ahead are formidable, with tens of billions of dollars needed for reconstruction after years of conflict. The pervasive issues of housing destruction, food insecurity, and ongoing hostilities complicate the committee’s mission.
Sha’ath and his team are set to relocate from Cairo to Gaza, where their role’s effectiveness depends on resolving security concerns and establishing a credible operational framework. He expressed a commitment to rebuilding the Palestinian economy and improving the living conditions of Gazans, emphasizing a message of hope and resilience.
Why this story matters
Key takeaway
Opposing viewpoint
