Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body, paving way for technocratic rule

The Palestinian group Hamas has announced the dissolution of the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, a significant political maneuver intended to facilitate a transition to civilian rule under a technocratic committee. Hamas seized control of Gaza from the Fatah group in 2007, following its legislative election victory the previous year.

“

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 (NCAG).

Since a ceasefire took effect last October, Hamas has repeatedly indicated its willingness to relinquish day-to-day governance. However, the complex issue of its disarmament remains a major sticking point. Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Hamas’s government media office, confirmed that the head of the government’s emergency committee, Mohammed al-Farra, officially submitted his resignation and decided to dissolve the committee.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated that the group is stepping down to remove any pretexts for the ongoing Israeli "aggression and war of extermination." He expressed hope for the swift establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and affirmed Hamas's readiness to transfer governmental responsibilities. The NCAG, established by a board brokered by former US President Donald Trump, is headed by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath.

“

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 aggression and war of extermination.

Earlier, a Hamas official indicated that other Palestinian factions had been informed of the decision during a recent meeting in Cairo and welcomed it as a serious step toward enabling the NCAG to assume its governing role. The dissolution clears the path for the NCAG, which has reportedly been based outside Gaza due to Israeli objections, to take administrative control. The transition to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which was to include Hamas’s disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal, has stalled, with Israeli forces reportedly expanding their presence in the territory.

“

We hope for the swift entry of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and Hamas affirms its readiness to hand over governmental responsibilities to the committee to ensure its success.