Who is Amjad Al-Shawa? Palestinian activist named as new leader of Gaza’s technocrat government - Reports

Amjad Al-Shawa, a prominent civil society leader in Gaza, has been reportedly chosen to head a new technocratic board that will govern the Gaza Strip, according to announcements by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority on Sunday.

Reports suggest that Hamas helped form the new administration, selecting about half of its members, while the Palestinian Authority chose the rest.

A senior Hamas official, Mohammed Nazzal, told Reuters that the group will keep control of security in Gaza for now and cannot commit to giving up its weapons.

Who is Amjad Al-Shawa

Al-Shawa is considered a “comfortable” choice for Hamas, having maintained a neutral stance toward the movement over the years without publicly challenging or criticizing it, as cited by KAN News.

Al-Shawa, born in Gaza in 1971, is recognized as a prominent humanitarian and rights activist in Palestine.

He currently serves as Deputy Commissioner-General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights (Ombudsman) and as General Director of the Palestinian NGOs Network in Gaza.

Al-Shawa is recognized for his efforts in defending human rights and supporting civil society.

Observers say his extensive connections with international and humanitarian organizations make him a consensus candidate to oversee Gaza’s transitional phase with local and international cooperation, as cited by Sada News.

Al-Shawar was also active in the international campaign to lift Gaza’s blockade after 2007, and contributed to efforts to end political divisions and uphold public freedoms.

He also played a key role in mediating between official bodies in Gaza and the West Bank on critical issues such as healthcare, electricity, and medical supplies.