Hamas to Dissolve Gaza Governing Body, Hand Over Power

Hamas has announced its intention to dissolve its governing body in Gaza and transfer power to a new technical administration. This decision comes as part of the implementation of a ceasefire agreement reached last year between the militant group and the Israeli government, overseen by the Board of Peace.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by multiple countries, has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades since the last region-wide elections in 2006. Under international law, the Gaza Strip is considered occupied, with Israel maintaining control over all borders even after its 2005 withdrawal of settlements and soldiers. Israeli forces have re-entered Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Ismail al-Thawabta, a Hamas media spokesman, confirmed that "the head of the government's emergency committee Mohammed al-Farra has officially submitted his resignation." He added that al-Farra "has also decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)." The NCAG was reportedly established by former US President Donald Trump as part of the peace deal.

Details regarding the timing and execution of the handover remain scarce. Reports suggest Israel has blocked NCAG members from entering Gaza for months. Significant disagreements persist between the Israeli government and Hamas regarding key aspects of their peace agreement, including the complete disarmament of Hamas and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. Israel has also faced accusations of obstructing the delivery of essential aid to Gaza due to these sticking points.

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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 (NCAG).