The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib: Inside the technocratic council set to rule Gaza
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Jan 24, 2026 
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, head of Realign For Palestine and analyst of Israel-Palestine policy, unpacks the 12-member technocratic council poised to run Gaza's daily affairs. He discusses who sits on the committee and Israel's objections. He examines whether the council can enter Gaza, the enforcement challenge posed by Hamas, and the regional roles of Qatar, Turkey, Egypt and others.
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Committee Made Of Technocrats, Not Militants
- The 12-member committee comprises mostly former PA professionals and technocrats with backgrounds in planning, sanitation, and education.
- Most are respected Gazans based outside Gaza, chosen to be broadly acceptable to locals and avoid contention.
Israel's Twofold Objections
- Israel objects to Qatari and Turkish roles and fears the committee could rehabilitate Hamas's civilian apparatus.
- Tensions rose when some executive committee names were chosen without consulting Israel, prompting Israeli pushback on crossings.
Qatar and Turkey Raise Red Flags
- Qatar and Turkey are controversial participants because they maintain ties to Hamas and figures like Ali Al-Thawadi raise corruption concerns.
- Inclusion of such actors risks undermining disarmament goals and fuels Israeli and local distrust.