GAZA CITY, Palestine

Gaza’s Government Media Office on Thursday called on the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to “urgently” enter the enclave and begin carrying out its duties, affirming that government institutions and employees are fully prepared to cooperate.

“In light of the ongoing political and administrative developments, and out of keenness to ensure the regular functioning of institutional work and the continuity of essential services, we renew our welcome to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and stress the importance of its urgent presence to assume its tasks and national responsibilities,” the office said in a statement.

It affirmed its “full readiness to transfer relevant powers and to take all necessary measures within professional and legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of citizens and employees and ensure the uninterrupted provision of services with the highest levels of efficiency and transparency,” the statement added.

“All government institutions and departments in Gaza and their employees across various sectors are fully prepared to cooperate with the committee in a manner that serves the public interest, contributes to improving services, alleviates citizens’ suffering and enhances administrative and institutional stability,” the office said.

The statement emphasized “the unity of Palestinian land and the political geography between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,” stressing that “strengthening national unity and internal cohesion constitutes a top national priority at this sensitive stage.”

The call comes as the committee has yet to begin operating from inside Gaza. The committee began its work from the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in mid-January, one day after its formation was announced.

The entry of committee members requires field and security coordination through crossings controlled by Israel. No official explanation has been issued by the committee regarding the delay in entering Gaza, and Israel has not commented on the matter.

An Oct. 10 ceasefire agreement ended Israel’s two-year war that began on Oct. 8, 2023. Palestinian authorities say the conflict killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, wounded over 171,000 others and caused widespread destruction affecting 90% of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations estimates reconstruction costs at approximately $70 billion.

At least 591 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,578 others injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.