Gaza Herald- Ali Shaat, head of the technocratic administrative committee tasked with managing the Gaza Strip, has refused to make any decisions regarding the territory’s administrative affairs while remaining outside Gaza, stating he is not prepared to issue directives on the upcoming municipal elections in Deir al-Balah.
According to informed sources, the Central Elections Commission contacted Shaat to coordinate on the implementation of the electoral process, particularly with government bodies in Gaza such as the Ministries of Education and Interior. However, he declined to engage, citing his absence from the Strip and lack of mandate to make decisions at this stage.
Meanwhile, the Central Elections Commission has begun direct coordination with local authorities in Gaza to proceed with logistical and organizational preparations for the elections, based on a presidential decree. This includes setting up polling stations and ensuring the smooth conduct of the process.
This development comes amid continued delays by the technocratic committee in assuming its duties in Gaza, despite more than 100 days having passed since its formation, without any effective presence on the ground.
Previously, government bodies and Palestinian factions in Gaza had expressed readiness to hand over responsibilities to the committee as part of arrangements aimed at unifying governance in the Strip. However, the ongoing delay raises questions about the reasons behind the obstruction and the future of this administrative framework.
