Hamas has officially disbanded the governing body that has administered the Gaza Strip for close to two decades, clearing the path for a Palestinian technocratic committee to take over civilian governance, officials from the group announced on Monday.
This decision represents a major political development for Hamas, which has maintained control over Gaza since ousting the rival Fatah faction in 2007.
An anonymous Hamas official, speaking under the condition of confidentiality due to lack of public authorization, explained that the group resolved to dissolve the Gaza government committee and appoint an interim, widely accepted figure to manage its affairs until the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) formally assumes control.
“The movement has resolved to disband the Gaza government committee and designate a nationally recognized individual to oversee its operations until the NCAG officially takes on its responsibilities,” the official stated.
Hamas’s media office in Gaza announced plans to hold a press conference later on Monday but refrained from providing additional information.
Another Hamas official revealed that the group had informed other Palestinian factions about this decision during a recent meeting in Cairo, noting that the factions welcomed the move as a positive step toward enabling the NCAG to undertake its governing role.
The NCAG, led by Palestinian official Ali Shaath, is anticipated to assume administrative duties in Gaza. This committee was formed by the Board of Peace, an entity established by U.S. President Donald Trump following the ceasefire brokered between Hamas and Israel that took effect last October.
Since the ceasefire’s implementation, Hamas has repeatedly expressed willingness to step back from day-to-day governance of Gaza. Nonetheless, the group’s future role and the issue of its disarmament remain unresolved and are expected to be key topics in any comprehensive political agreement.
