Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), Turkish diplomatic sources said, as efforts continue to stabilize and rebuild the war-torn enclave following the October ceasefire.

The NCAG was formed after the truce to oversee Gaza’s civil administration and reconstruction during a transitional phase under broader Palestinian reconciliation and peace efforts. Ankara has offered diplomatic backing and humanitarian support to help restore governance and rebuild devastated infrastructure.

In a statement released Saturday, the committee said recent declarations by Gaza’s administration expressing readiness to hand over all public institutions represent a critical step toward enabling the NCAG to fully assume its responsibilities.

The committee described the move as “a pivotal step in fulfilling its mandate as the transitional administration of Gaza,” signaling that preparations for an orderly transfer of authority are underway.

Gaza’s media office renewed its call on Thursday for the committee to begin carrying out its duties. Hamas has also repeatedly stated its readiness to facilitate the committee’s work during the transition.

However, the physical entry of committee members into Gaza remains contingent on field and security coordination through border crossings controlled by Israel. No official explanation has yet been issued by the committee regarding delays in deployment, and Israeli authorities have not commented publicly on the matter.

The NCAG stressed that enabling it to operate independently and efficiently would help unlock international support for recovery and reconstruction, secure a complete Israeli withdrawal, and restore normal daily life for Gaza’s residents.

The committee also urged mediators and all concerned parties to intensify efforts to resolve outstanding issues without delay. “The Palestinian people cannot afford more time lost; we must move now to ensure a smooth and credible transition,” it said.

The October 10 ceasefire halted Israel’s two-year war on Gaza, though sporadic violations have continued despite a marked reduction in hostilities and the limited entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

Palestinian officials report that more than 72,000 people were killed and 171,000 injured during the conflict, with approximately 90 percent of civilian infrastructure destroyed. The United Nations estimates reconstruction costs at around $70 billion.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says that at least 591 Palestinians have been killed and 1,578 injured since the truce took effect, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the urgent need for sustained international engagement.

The meeting in Ankara reflects Türkiye’s continued involvement in diplomatic efforts surrounding Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction, as regional actors seek to consolidate the ceasefire and advance a viable post-war transition. (ILKHA)