Palestinian authorities finalize plans to govern Gaza as ceasefire takes effect

Following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Mahmoud Abbas administration confirmed it will assume full responsibility for governing the region.

"The Palestinian authorities, under the leadership of Chairman Abbas, have finalized all preparations to take over the administration of Gaza," a statement from the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) said, Caliber.Az reports via Palestinian media.

The PNA outlined its readiness to handle the return of displaced citizens, provide essential services, manage border control, and oversee the reconstruction of the region's infrastructure.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ruled out the possibility of the PNA managing Gaza once hostilities ceased.

On January 15, US President-elect Donald Trump announced via social media: "We have reached an agreement on hostages in the Middle East. They will soon be released to freedom." Current US President Joe Biden confirmed that Hamas and Israel had agreed on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani later confirmed that the truce between Israel and Hamas would take effect on January 19.

The Israeli government approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas on 18 January after more than seven hours of debate. The decision was confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, with the Cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for 15:30, starting around 18:30. After extensive discussions, 24 ministers voted in favour, and eight opposed.

The first phase of the deal includes the release of three hostages from Gaza, marking the first respite in over a year of conflict for Palestinians and enabling the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

By Tamilla Hasanova