GAZA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The 15-member transitional Palestinian technocratic committee for administering the Gaza Strip affirmed on Friday "its full readiness to assume its responsibilities" in the enclave following a reported Hamas disarmament pact.
The committee, formally known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), said in a statement that it "has completed extensive institutional and operational preparations" over recent months to "take over the administration of the Strip, restore essential public services, strengthen the rule of law, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and lead recovery and reconstruction efforts."
Describing the task ahead as "immense," the committee said "rebuilding Gaza requires sustained international commitment, substantial financial resources, and close cooperation among all partners."
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the so-called "Board of Peace" had reached an agreement for the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
On Friday, Palestinian sources told Xinhua that Hamas has informed mediators of its approval of the final draft of a roadmap for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, in press statements, Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas' negotiating delegation, said Hamas and other Palestinian factions have reached an understanding on a mechanism for implementing the second phase of the agreement, including a gradual process for registering and storing weapons under the supervision of the NCAG.
Hamad rejected reports describing the arrangement as disarmament, saying the issue of weapons remains linked to the implementation of the agreement's other provisions, particularly Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the launch of reconstruction efforts. ■
