Who is Amjad Shawa, Palestinian NGO activist, named as new leader of board that will rule Gaza

Hamas update: In a significant global update, Amjad Al-Shawa, a prominent civil society leader in Gaza, has reportedly been appointed to lead a new technocratic board formed to govern the Gaza Strip. As per global media reports, the announcement was made on Sunday by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Here are all the details you need to know about Amjad Al-Shawa, the new head of Gaza board.

Who is Amjad Al-Shawa?

Amjad Shawa is a pro-Hamas leader who is also the director of the Palestinian NGO network which liaises with the United Nations and international humanitarian organisations. According to reports, the new administration was jointly formed, with Hamas selecting about half of its members and the Palestinian Authority appointing the rest. Senior Hamas official Mohammed Nazzal told Reuters that the group will retain control over Gaza’s security for now and cannot commit to disarming.

Nazzal added that Hamas is open to a ceasefire lasting up to five years to allow the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza, with future guarantees contingent on Palestinians being given “horizons and hope” for statehood.

Egyptian FM, Palestinian VP discuss Gaza reconstruction over phone

In another significant development on Gaza, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh discussed Gaza’s reconstruction and the political situation in the Palestinian territories during a phone call, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said.

They reviewed preparations for a Gaza reconstruction conference to be held in Egypt next month and urged greater international support and funding to address Palestinians’ humanitarian and development needs.

(With inputs from agencies)