Mahmoud Abbas holds first publicized call with head of technocratic committee tasked with managing Gaza

By Jacob Magid

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9 July 2026, 12:29 am

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Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

Ali Shaath, head of Palestinian National committee for administering the Gaza Strip, speaks to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during their meeting at the foreign ministry headquarters in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, January 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Khaled Elfiqi)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas held his first publicized phone call with former PA deputy minister Ali Shaath since the latter was appointed to head the committee of Palestinian technocrats tasked with replacing Hamas rule in Gaza.

Abbas phoned Shaath the express condolences for the passing of Shaath’s uncle, but a source familiar with the matter says the pair also discussed political developments.

While the PA initially opposed the formation of the US-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, hoping that it would immediately be given control of the Strip following the Gaza war, Ramallah has gradually agreed to cooperate with the NCAG, as it still seeks to replace the body upon completing necessary reforms.