Trump's Gaza committee remains an empty shell paralyzed by Israel

Ali Shaath (center), president of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, with members of the committee during the inaugural meeting of the body, in Cairo, on January 18, 2026. EGYPTIAN INFORMATION SERVICE VIA AFP It provided a tiny glimmer of hope for the residents of the Gaza Strip. On January 17, Ali Shaath inaugurated the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The new chief commissioner of this body, which was meant to govern the Palestinian coastal territory in place of Hamas as part of the peace plan unveiled by Donald Trump in September 2025, pledged to "transform the transitional period in Gaza into a foundation for lasting Palestinian prosperity" and to "ensure a path to genuine Palestinian rights and self-determination." In Washington, Steve Witkoff, the US president's all-purpose negotiator, announced the transition to phase 2 of the Trump plan, which was supposed to move "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction." Four months later, phase two is at a standstill and the Israeli army is tightening its grip on the territory day by day. It now controls nearly 60% of the area, compared to 53% initially. More than 800 Palestinians, the vast majority of them civilians, have been killed by the Israeli army since the ceasefire was declared in October 2025, bringing the total number of deaths since October 7 to more than 72,000. Five Israeli soldiers have died in fighting in the enclave over the past seven months. You have 86.56% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.