Hamas approves candidate to head Gaza governance committee: 'Pro-Hamas without being a member'

The candidate designated to head the technocratic committee that will administer the Gaza Strip is Amjad Shawa, Kan News reported Sunday evening.

Hamas and the Palestinian Authority approved the appointment during a meeting with Egyptian intelligence held in Cairo.

Shawa serves as chairman of the network of civil society organizations in Gaza. Over the years, he has been considered agreeable to Hamas and has never spoken out against the terrorist organization.

Palestinian sources told KAN News: “Amjad Shawa is pro-Hamas without being a Hamas member.”

His final appointment is subject to American approval.

In an interview with the Jordanian channel Al-Mamlaka, Shawa said: “So far, no party has contacted me regarding my appointment to head the technocrats’ committee. I am always ready to serve my people in any field and in any place, within the framework of Palestinian national consensus and with the support of our brothers in the Arab states for any mission I undertake.”

In the interview, he clarified that he would be willing to accept the position, provided that it comes with “national consensus” (between Hamas and Fatah),“so that we can ensure national support for carrying out the mission of saving whatever can still be saved in the Gaza Strip, providing urgent humanitarian aid, and beginning the reconstruction and rebuilding of Gaza.”

The participation of Hamas in forming the technocratic government expected to govern the Gaza Strip was revealed for the first time last week on KAN Reshet Bet Radio.

Hamas selected about half of the members of the technocratic government, choosing figures who support Hamas and its principles — even if not openly or explicitly.

The other half of the technocratic government was chosen by the Palestinian Authority, with tacit knowledge and consent that Hamas had also selected half of the lineup.

It was also discovered by KAN News that the mediators, especially Egypt, presented Hamas with the full list of the proposed lineup in order to reassure the organization.