Hamas Dissolves Gaza Governing Body, Ceding Control to Technocratic Committee

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has announced a significant political shift, dissolving the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades. This move clears the path for a technocratic committee to implement civilian rule in the territory.

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The head of the government’s emergency committee, Mohammed al-Farra, has officially submitted his resignation. He has also decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, stated its readiness to step aside from day-to-day governance following a ceasefire with Israel last October. However, the thorny issue of Hamas's disarmament remains unresolved.

Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Hamas's government media office, confirmed the dissolution, stating it aims to "facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)." Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem added that the move is intended to remove "any pretexts for the occupation, which continues its agression and war of extermination."

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Hamas has taken a new step in that it will no longer be in charge of the Gaza Strip, in order to remove any pretexts for the occupation, which continues its agression and war of extermination.

The NCAG, headed by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath, is expected to assume administrative responsibilities. Hamas has reportedly informed other Palestinian factions of its decision, with the factions welcoming it as a "serious step towards enabling the National Committee to take up its governing role."

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The factions welcomed Hamas’s decision, describing it as a serious step towards enabling the National Committee to take up its governing role.