Deadlock over NCAG Access and Disarmament Slows On-Ground Operations in Gaza Strip

Deadlock over NCAG Access and Disarmament Slows On-Ground Operations in Gaza Strip

Despite operational alignment with the UN in Cairo, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza faces access restrictions and disputes over the security timeline.

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) continues to operate from Cairo as it faces significant political and logistical hurdles to establishing its physical presence in the Gaza Strip. The central deadlock stems from disagreements between the parties over security conditions, the disarmament timeline for armed groups, and the withdrawal of military forces from the enclave.

Although the NCAG—led by Chief Commissioner Dr. Ali Shaath—has finalized its tactical planning in coordination meetings with United Nations agencies, the Israeli government maintains restrictions on the entry of commissioners and technical teams into the territory. Israel's stance demands complete prior disarmament as a prerequisite for the entry of the transitional civil administration and the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF).

In contrast, the 15-point roadmap mediated by the High 

Representative of the Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, outlines a phased transition in which heavy weaponry surrendered by factions would progressively transition into the custody and regulation of the NCAG.

To bypass the operational stalemate, international diplomats and mediators are evaluating the implementation of a Humanitarian Pilot Zone along the perimeter demarcated by the "Yellow Line." 

The proposal seeks to allow the NCAG and the ISF to gradually take over civil management, aid distribution, and housing reconstruction within this designated zone, establishing a proof-of-concept model prior to expanding the mandate across the entire territory.

The NCAG reaffirms its technical readiness to assume civil governance, public service regulation, and reconstruction coordination as soon as access corridors and team security are guaranteed.

About the NCAG

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) is a transitional, technocratic body tasked with managing civil administration, public services, and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip under international law and UN Security Council resolutions.