Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas showed “increased flexibility and optimism” during talks in Cairo over the formation of a committee to manage Gaza’s post-war governance, according to Egypt’s Al Qahera news.
The broadcaster, citing a high-level security source, said the committee “is envisioned to include independent figures”. The source said the discussions in Cairo were part of addressing the goal of strengthening Palestinian unity and ensuring that Gaza is not separated from the West Bank.
The talks come after the two groups met in China in July and agreed on steps to form a Palestinian unity government for Gaza and the occupied West Bank. They are also part of long-running and previously unsuccessful efforts to heal a schism that hardened when Hamas seized control of Gaza in a brief conflict with Fatah in 2007.
Israeli intelligence estimates that 51 captives are still alive: Report
Of the 101 captives being held by Hamas in Gaza, 51 are still alive, Israel Hayom has reported, citing Israeli intelligence assessments. Pressure has been mounting on Netanyahu’s administration to secure a deal for the release of the remaining captives.
According to Israeli officials, 251 people were taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and nearly half of the captives have been released. Others are still in captivity with some confirmed or feared dead. Hamas has announced multiple times that some of the captives were killed in Israeli attacks.
Focus on children, education instead of replacing UNRWA, says Lazzarini
Commissioner-general of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, called for children in Gaza and their education to be prioritised when speaking about replacing the agency in the enclave.
In a statement on X, Lazzarini said children are losing their second year of education in Gaza due to Israel’s war.
“Our schools are the only education system in the region that includes a Human Rights programme and that follows United Nations standards and values. Dismantling UNRWA in the absence of a viable alternative will deprive Palestinian children of learning in the foreseeable future,” he wrote.
“Without learning, children slip into hopelessness, poverty & radicalisation. Without learning, children fall prey to exploitation including joining armed groups. Without learning, this region will remain unstable & volatile,” he said.
Lazzarini added that instead of banning UNRWA, which the Israeli government approved last month, the focus should be on ending the war to “prioritise children and their future”.
