Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body, paving way for technocratic committee

Hamas has decided to dissolve the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years, according to officials from the group.

The move will allow a Palestinian technocratic committee to take over civilian administration in Gaza.

Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, when it took power from the rival Fatah movement.

Since the ceasefire with Israel began last October, Hamas has repeatedly said it is willing to step away from day-to-day governance. However, the issue of the group’s disarmament has not been resolved.

A Hamas official said, “The movement has decided to dissolve the Gaza government committee and to appoint a nationally accepted figure to oversee the committee’s work until the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza formally assumes its responsibilities.”

Hamas said it will hold “an important press conference” later on Monday.

Another Hamas official said the group had already informed other Palestinian factions about the decision during a recent meeting in Cairo. According to the official, the factions welcomed the move and called it an important step.

The decision clears the way for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Ali Shaath, to take over administrative responsibilities.

The NCAG was created by the Board of Peace, which was established by US President Donald Trump after he helped broker the Gaza ceasefire last October. However, the committee has not yet entered Gaza because of reported Israeli objections.

Talks between Hamas, other Palestinian groups, and mediators have continued in Cairo to move forward with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

The second phase, which includes Hamas’s disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, has been delayed for months.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have expanded their presence in Gaza and now control nearly 70% of the territory.

Hamas says it wants a Palestinian administration to be established before it considers handing over any part of its weapons.

The future governance of Gaza remains one of the biggest issues in ongoing negotiations, as Israel opposes both the return of Hamas to power and an immediate takeover by the Palestinian Authority.