Gaza Interim Body’s Logo Triggers Israeli Outcry Over Use of Palestinian Authority Emblem

Israel has lodged a strong protest after the interim body set up to administer Gaza published a logo nearly identical to that used by the Palestinian Authority (PA).

What Happened

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) — an interim body described in reporting as operating under a US-led “Board of Peace” associated with Donald Trump — released a crest featuring a shield bearing the Palestinian flag set against an eagle. The motif closely matches the long-standing emblem of the Palestinian Authority; the only visible change is the caption, which reads "NCAG" rather than the Arabic for "Palestinian Authority."

The original logo agreed upon with Israel

Why Israel Objects

Jerusalem has consistently rejected direct PA involvement in Gaza’s post-war governance. Israeli officials say the PA — which administers the West Bank and is dominated by the Fatah movement — still supports terrorism, citing payments to families of attackers (often referred to by critics as a "pay to slay" system) and what Israel describes as problematic content in some school materials. The PA disputes those claims, saying it has ended the stipend payments and is reforming curricula.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office: "Israel will not accept the use of the Palestinian Authority’s symbol, and the PA will not be a partner in the administration of Gaza. The logo of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza presented to Israel was completely different from the one published this evening."

Political Stakes

Critics of Israel’s position say the refusal to accept PA involvement is intended to prevent institutional ties between the West Bank and Gaza that could form the basis for a future Palestinian state. Some Arab governments have urged that the PA be included in post-war Gaza governance, and diplomatic pressure is building over who will manage reconstruction and security.

Mr Netanyahu conceded that PA representatives would play a role in the newly opened Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt - Saeed M. M. T. Jaras/Anadolu

Operational and Security Questions

The NCAG, led by technocrat Ali Shaath (who previously held PA posts in transport and planning), is currently meeting in Egypt but plans to base itself in Gaza soon, saying it will operate from western Gaza — an area currently controlled by Hamas. Israel has made clear it will not allow large-scale reconstruction until Washington presents a plan to demilitarise Hamas; Israeli demands include full disarmament down to personal weapons.

Western partners are divided: reports indicate Britain has pushed for a temporary arrangement allowing Hamas fighters to retain rifles and pistols until alternative security guarantees are in place, while slides shown at Davos by Jared Kushner suggested the US may favour a phased approach to disarmament.

Rafah Crossing and Human Impact

The recently reopened Rafah crossing with Egypt — effectively closed for about two years — marks a significant step for civilian movement. A limited number of people crossed initially; when fully operational the crossing should allow Gazans greater access for medical care and family reunification, and permit returns for some who were barred earlier in the conflict. The reopening followed the burial of Ran Gvili, identified by Israeli authorities as the last deceased hostage being held in Gaza.

The logo dispute underscores the broader diplomatic tensions over who will govern Gaza during reconstruction and how security, symbolism and sovereignty will be negotiated among Israel, the PA, the US-led process and regional partners.