“A temporary administration of a technocratic and apolitical Palestinian committee that will be responsible for providing the ongoing management of public services and local authorities for the residents of Gaza,” that is how Trump’s 21-point document-that was accepted by both Israel and Hamas-defines the temporary government for managing civilian daily life in Gaza.
But who and what are these "technocrats" exactly?
True, according to the list revealed so far, it certainly seems that the committee members are experts, each in their own field. For example, the person in charge of education-Jaber A-Daour-is the president of Palestine University in Gaza; the person in charge of justice-Mohammed Bseiso-owns one of the largest law firms in the Strip; the person in charge of the land authority-Urabi Abu Shaban-served as the director of the Land Registry Authority and as the CEO of the Housing Development Council in Gaza; and so on.
But all these people, or at least most of them, also have a political affiliation. Jaber A-Daour, for example, is a Fatah member and a supporter of Dahlan; the Minister of Religious Affairs-Mohammed Hilles-is a retired senior officer in the PA security forces. In fact, all 12 committee members have ties to the Palestinian Authority.
But it wasn't just the PA; Hamas was also involved in the negotiations over the composition, which isn't entirely to its liking. Two of the appointments cause Hamas particular unease: Sami Nesman-who fled the Strip 20 years ago following the Hamas takeover, and after being involved in the torture of Hamas detainees and sabotage against the organization-is set to receive the Internal Security portfolio; and Rami Hilles, who is slated to receive the Religious Affairs portfolio, is known for attacking Hamas and advocating for moderate Islam.
The State of Israel and PM Netanyahu applaud President @realDonaldTrump and his tireless and devoted team. The courage and sacrifice of our brave soldiers, along with President Trump’s diplomatic efforts, helped bring home all of the living hostages and most of the deceased ones.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 18, 2025
Netanyahu's blessing, in English only, on the official account:
In other words, these "technocrats" are not scientists who never left their labs. They might have a professional background, but they certainly have political affiliations. Positioning this as a "technocratic government" is hollow, and its entire purpose is to make the PA and Hamas officials easier to swallow. Because if Hamas is "not a partner," and the PA is the entity Netanyahu tried to weaken to avoid clearing a path to a Palestinian state, so what are we left with? A "technocratic government" that will allow the Palestinians to be granted self-governance, while pretending it isn't so.
