For today, links to six reports: from Asharq Al-Awsat, Middle East Monitor, the Cradle, the Associated Press, Middle East Eye, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking their names or initials below. (Scroll down for GAZA 1-14-26 and IRAN and MEDIA.) — MCM

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Ali Shaath appointed head of Gaza administration committee. From Asharq Al-Awsat. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye announced on Wednesday the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip, headed by Ali Shaath. This follows changes to the committee’s membership and broader political maneuvering that point to an imminent transfer of governance from Hamas. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for this and other Asharq Al-wsat reports in Arabic.

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Ali Shaath says rebuilding Gaza is a humanitarian priority, will take 7 years. From Middle East Monitor. Ali Shaath, head of the Gaza Strip Management Committee (the technocrats committee), said his main task is to secure decent living conditions that protect human dignity in Gaza. Based on his professional experience, he said the Strip needs seven years of serious work to return in a better state than it was before. READ MORE . . .

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Palestinian factions discuss ‘phase two’ of Gaza truce as Israel continues indiscriminate attacks. From the Cradle. A senior Hamas delegation and representatives of other Palestinian factions met in the Egyptian capital Cairo on 15 January to discuss the newly announced second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which comes despite Tel Aviv’s continued violations and failure to adhere to the terms of phase one. READ MORE . . .

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Netanyahu says the announced start of Gaza ceasefire’s next phase is a ‘declarative move,’ by Wafaa Shurafa and Sam Metz | AP  DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cast the U.S. announcement that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza would advance to its second phase as largely symbolic, raising questions about how its more challenging elements will be carried out. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for same AP report in Spanish, and HERE for others.

Death and displacement in Gaza months into ceasefire, by Maha Hussaini | Middle East Eye  GAZA CITY, occupied Palestine  With continued Israeli restrictions on border crossings, aid, and goods, residents feel the situation has merely shifted from an intense genocide to a slower-paced one. READ MORE . . .

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U.S. says second phase of Gaza ceasefire has begun, but major challenges remain. Reported by Aya Batrawy and A Martínez | NPR  The White House says the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is moving into its second phase, which includes the demilitarization of Gaza, a key point in President Trump’s peace plan. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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