Hamas dissolves Gaza Strip government committee

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has announced the dissolution of the governing committee that has managed the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years. This significant political shift aims to clear the path for a new technocratic body to administer the territory.

According to a Hamas representative, the committee's chairman, Mohammed al-Farra, has submitted his resignation. This action is seen as a step toward relinquishing civil administration, potentially making way for a 15-member Palestinian technocratic council. This council was reportedly initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and is intended to temporarily oversee Gaza until the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, establishes a reform program.

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Hamas has taken another step towards relinquishing power in the Gaza Strip. This removes any pretext for the occupation, which continues its aggression and war of annihilation.

Hamas representative Hasem Kassem stated that this move is intended to remove any pretext for the ongoing conflict with Israel. The group expressed hope for the swift deployment of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip. However, Hamas has signaled its refusal to disarm unconditionally, a condition that remains a central requirement for the establishment of any new administration.

The dissolution marks a notable political turnaround for Hamas, which initiated the current war in Gaza with its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The future effectiveness of a new administration remains unclear, as does Hamas's potential influence behind the scenes and the allocation of responsibility for security structures. The establishment of a new governing body could be beneficial for the reconstruction of the devastated Gaza Strip, as it might be more acceptable to international donors and organizations than Hamas rule.

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We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.