The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced on Monday the disbandment of the governing council that has administered the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, facilitating the establishment of a technocratic committee to oversee the enclave.
This action signifies a notable political transition by Hamas, which has governed Gaza since its militants took power from the competing Palestinian faction Fatah in 2007, following their victory in the parliamentary elections the prior year.
Since the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza last October between Hamas and Israel, the organization has consistently asserted its willingness to relinquish daily control; nonetheless, the contentious matter of its disarmament continues unsolved.
Ismail al-Thawabta, director of Hamas’s media office in Gaza, stated that the chairman of the government’s emergency committee had “resolved to dissolve the committee to facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).”
The NCAG, presently located in Cairo, was founded by the Board of Peace formed by US President Donald Trump when he mediated the ceasefire in October 2025.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem informed AFP that the organization decided to cede control “to eliminate any justifications for the occupation, which persists in its aggression and extermination campaign.”
Symbolic act
Ali Shaath, the head of NCAG, stated that his committee is “fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the requisite resources and capabilities are accessible.” He emphasized that the essential prerequisites for the committee’s success include a unified authority, a singular law with a definitive mandate, and a consolidated armed force under the jurisdiction of this singular entity, as articulated on X.
The Board of Peace, in the meanwhile, emphasized to X “the consolidation of all armaments under the jurisdiction of the NCAG as stipulated in the Comprehensive Gaza Peace Plan and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.” “
Israel reiterated its demand for the complete disarmament of Hamas.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on X that Israel demands the comprehensive execution of the Trump plan, which fundamentally entails the disarmament of Hamas and all other terrorist organizations, as well as the total demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
The NCAG has remained in Cairo for several months, allegedly due to Israeli opposition to its access to the war-ravaged region inhabited by over two million individuals.
The spokesperson for the UN chief, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the secretary-general endorsed Hamas’s action, provided it facilitates the advancement of pertinent Security Council resolutions, including the complete execution of the ceasefire, the safeguarding of civilians, and the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Mkhaimar Abusada, a political analyst from Gaza, informed AFP that Hamas’s action was a “symbolic gesture.”
“Hamas has not consented to disarmament, which remains the primary obstacle,” he stated.
Hussam Majed, a 34-year-old resident of Gaza City, informed AFP that Hamas’s declaration was “hollow rhetoric.”
Hamas retains its position in Gaza and exerts control over all aspects: the crossings, the ministries, and security. They merely alter their appearances, yet they are determined to retain power at all costs, even if it results in the demise of the entire populace,” he stated.
Hamas and various Palestinian factions have engaged in discussions in Cairo with mediators to reconcile conflicts, especially about the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
A diplomatic source stated that the announcement fulfills several criteria from Hamas’s perspective, referring to Monday’s announcement.
“It indicates they are advancing the process and highlights what they depict as Israel’s inability to fulfill its obligations,” remarked the source, who participated in some discussions in Cairo.
Violations of the ceasefire
The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, intended to encompass Hamas’s disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, has been impeded for months.
Israeli forces have significantly increased their presence in Gaza recently, seizing control of over 70 percent of the territory.
Simultaneously, hostilities persist in Gaza notwithstanding the ceasefire.
According to the health ministry in Gaza, which functions under Hamas administration and is deemed reputable by the United Nations, at least 1,072 Palestinians have been killed since the truce was implemented.
The Israeli military reports the loss of five troops and one civilian contractor in Gaza during the same timeframe.
