GAZA: Palestinian group Hamas announced on Monday that it is disbanding the governing authority it has maintained in the Gaza Strip for almost twenty years, paving the way for a technocratic committee to oversee civilian administration.
This decision signifies a notable shift in Hamas’s political stance, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 after seizing power from rival faction Fatah following their legislative election victory in 2006. Since a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was established last October, the group has indicated its willingness to step aside from daily governance, although the issue of disarmament remains unresolved.
“Mohammed al-Farra, the leader of the government’s emergency committee, has officially resigned,” said Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Hamas’s government media office, speaking to AFP. “He has also decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG),” he added.
The NCAG, currently operating from Cairo, was established by the US-led Board of Peace, which was set up by former President Donald Trump during his efforts to broker the ceasefire in October 2025.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told AFP that the group’s move was intended as a “symbolic step,” emphasizing that Hamas would no longer be in charge of Gaza to reduce pretexts for ongoing Israeli aggression and to promote a transition away from their rule.
The NCAG expressed readiness to assume governance responsibilities. Ali Shaath, the committee’s head, stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We are fully prepared to govern Gaza as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available. Success depends on having one authority, one legal framework, and one armed force under that authority.”
The Board of Peace highlighted the importance of weapon control, calling for all armaments in Gaza to be under the NCAG’s authority, consistent with the principles outlined in the Comprehensive Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2802.
Despite these developments, the NCAG has remained in Cairo for several months due to Israeli objections to its entry into Gaza, which is home to approximately 2.1 million people.
Gaza political analyst Mkhaimar Abusada described Hamas’s move as largely “symbolic,” noting that the core issue remains disarmament, which Hamas has yet to agree to. “Disarming itself is the main obstacle,” he said.
Talks mediated by Egyptian officials have been ongoing between Hamas and other Palestinian factions to resolve disagreements, especially regarding the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which involves disarmament and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
From Hamas’s perspective, the announcement on Monday is a step forward, as it demonstrates movement in the peace process, even as they criticize Israel’s failure to fulfill its commitments.
The initial phase of the ceasefire included the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. However, progress on the second phase, which calls for Hamas’s disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawals, has been stalled for months.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have increased their presence in Gaza, controlling nearly 70% of the territory. Hamas is demanding the formation of a Palestinian-led administration before considering disarmament, while Israel rejects Hamas’s return to power and also opposes a direct administration by the Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah.
Since the ceasefire began, at least 1,072 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, according to health officials, while the Israeli military reports losing five soldiers and one contractor during the same period.
