Palestinian factions have announced that they reached an agreement to let an independent committee of technocrats take charge of Gaza’s administration. The decision follows claims by Hamas that it received “clear guarantees” from mediators confirming the war’s end.
A joint statement released after meetings in Cairo said the groups would “hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a temporary Palestinian committee composed of independent technocrats.” The committee will manage essential services “in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions.”
The factions also called for talks to form a shared national strategy and revive the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the “sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.” Hamas has never been part of the PLO, which is dominated by its rival Fatah. The move is seen as a possible step toward rebuilding unity in Palestinian politics, long divided between the West Bank and Gaza leaderships.
The announcement came as Fadwa Barghouti, wife of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to support her husband’s release. Barghouti is serving multiple life sentences in Israel for his role in deadly attacks during the early 2000s but remains one of the most popular Palestinian figures. Many view him as a leader who could unite the divided political factions.
In her letter to Trump, Fadwa Barghouti described her husband as “a genuine partner” who could help achieve “just and lasting peace.” She urged the U.S. administration to take action, saying his release could renew hope for a peaceful resolution.
Her appeal followed Trump’s recent remarks to Time magazine, where he said he was considering whether to support Marwan Barghouti’s release. The former president acknowledged that it was “the question of the day,” adding that he planned to make a decision soon.
Marwan Barghouti, now 66, has been imprisoned for over two decades. His trial was widely criticized by international observers, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, for procedural flaws. Palestinian leaders have long sought his release, but Israel has repeatedly refused.
His son, Arab Barghouti, alleged that his father was beaten unconscious by guards in mid-September while being transferred between prisons. The incident reportedly came after a visit from Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who has previously been convicted of incitement to racism. Ben Gvir allegedly taunted Barghouti and told him he “deserved to be executed.”
The letter from Fadwa Barghouti coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel. Rubio said Washington hopes to form an international force to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza. He noted that Israel could veto which countries participate, adding that “many nations have offered to contribute.”
Turkey, a NATO member and one of the region’s strongest militaries, was among the first Muslim-majority countries to recognize Israel. However, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it has become one of Israel’s fiercest critics. Erdoğan has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel rejects.
Rubio’s visit marks the fourth by a senior U.S. official in recent weeks, following President Trump’s speech to Israel’s Knesset. The frequent visits highlight Washington’s efforts to maintain oversight of the fragile truce and prevent renewed violence.
Meanwhile, Hamas reiterated on Friday that it had received “clear guarantees” from mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that “the war has effectively ended.” The group urged more international pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The World Health Organization said there has been little progress in aid deliveries, with hunger and disease still spreading across the enclave. “The situation remains catastrophic because what’s entering is not enough,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.
The new Gaza technocrat administration could mark the start of a shift toward civilian governance after months of conflict. Yet many challenges remain, including rebuilding infrastructure, restoring public trust, and achieving political unity across Palestinian territories.
