Madrid, January 16, 2026 – Spain has described the establishment of a national committee to administer the Gaza Strip as a "positive step" toward implementing the second phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan and restoring Palestinian unity under the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). The announcement by the Spanish Foreign Ministry comes one day after U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff declared the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, which includes the creation of a transitional technocratic administration.
In an official statement released Thursday, the Spanish Foreign Ministry praised the appointment of the committee, composed of Palestinian technocratic figures, saying it "could contribute to stability" in the war-torn enclave and help mitigate the ongoing "humanitarian catastrophe" by facilitating increased entry of aid. "The appointment of a committee of Palestinian figures to administer the Gaza Strip is a positive step towards the full implementation of the second phase of the peace plan and lays the foundations for the restoration of the unity of the Palestinian State under its National Authority," the ministry stated.
Spain reaffirmed its "firm support" for the Palestinian National Authority as its "only partner for peace," highlighting the PNA's essential role during the transitional period. The statement also expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of Qatar, Türkiye, and Egypt in advancing the peace process, noting that these countries played a pivotal role in facilitating the formation of the committee, formally announced on January 14, 2026.
The committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), is a 15-member transitional body tasked with managing day-to-day civil affairs in Gaza, including public services, sanitation, infrastructure, education, and humanitarian coordination. It is headed by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a former deputy minister of planning in the Palestinian Authority, who hails from Khan Yunis in southern Gaza and brings extensive experience in economic development, industrial zones, and reconstruction efforts.
The NCAG operates under the oversight of the "Board of Peace," chaired by President Trump, with support from figures such as former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov, who is expected to serve as a liaison. The committee's formation was welcomed by mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye in a joint statement on January 14, which described it as an "important development" for consolidating stability, improving humanitarian conditions, and paving the way for reconstruction. The mediators stressed the need for full compliance with the ceasefire agreement, including Israeli withdrawal and unrestricted aid access.
Witkoff's announcement on January 14 marked the official transition to phase two of Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, unveiled in September 2025. Phase one, which began with a ceasefire on October 10, 2025, achieved the release of most hostages (all living hostages and the remains of 27 of 28 deceased), partial Israeli withdrawal, and a surge in humanitarian aid. Phase two shifts focus to "demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," including the disarmament of unauthorized armed groups (primarily targeting Hamas), large-scale rebuilding of the enclave devastated by nearly two years of conflict, and eventual reintegration of Gaza under unified Palestinian governance.
The plan, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, aims to provide a pathway to long-term stability, including the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to support security and facilitate reconstruction estimated to cost over $50 billion. While the ceasefire has largely held despite sporadic violations—including Israeli strikes that have killed hundreds since October—the transition faces challenges, including Hamas's reluctance to fully disarm without guarantees of Palestinian statehood, and ongoing issues with aid delivery and border crossings.
Spain's endorsement aligns with its long-standing support for a two-state solution and recognition of Palestine as a state in 2014 (formalized in 2024). The ministry emphasized that the peace plan, combined with the New York Declaration on implementing the two-state solution, represents the viable path to "a just and lasting peace" in the region. Madrid has consistently advocated for Palestinian unity, humanitarian relief, and international mediation, positioning itself as a vocal supporter of the PNA amid efforts to sideline Hamas from governance.
The committee's establishment has drawn mixed reactions. The Palestinian Authority, through Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh, welcomed the move and stressed linking Gaza institutions to West Bank ones under "one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon." Hamas described it as "a step in the right direction" while demanding full Israeli compliance with phase one. Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Yamahi also hailed it as progress toward stability and recovery.
The Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of over 90% of Gaza's 2.4 million residents, and severe humanitarian crises. The transitional administration aims to address immediate needs while building toward reconstruction and political reconciliation.
Spain's statement underscores growing European and international backing for the U.S.-led framework, even as challenges persist in disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and sustainable peace. As phase two unfolds, the NCAG's role will be crucial in bridging governance gaps and alleviating suffering in one of the world's most devastated regions.
