Palestinian factions near deal to govern Gaza

Fatah and Hamas are reportedly close to a deal on a post-war government for Gaza, marking a potential end to Hamas’ 17-year rule. The agreement would establish a committee of 12-15 politically unaligned technocrats with authority over issues of the economy, education, health, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction.

Following talks in Cairo brokered by Egypt, the two rival factions agreed the committee would also administer the Palestinian side of the Rafah checkpoint on the border with Egypt. The proposal was submitted to the Palestinian authority in the West Bank for approval on Tuesday.

Would Israel and the US accept the deal? Israel insists it must dismantle Hamas to ensure the security of the Jewish state – which could make the deal a nonstarter. Washington supports a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza and the West Bank.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, Israelvowed to “penetrate deeper” into Lebanese territory if the tenuous ceasefire between the two nations collapses. On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership designed to strengthen bilateral ties and jointly called for Lebanon to hold long-delayed presidential elections.