Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has announced the dissolution of the governing body that has administered the Gaza Strip for almost two decades, paving the way for a technocratic committee to assume responsibility for civilian governance.
The decision represents a major political development for Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007 after defeating rival Palestinian faction Fatah following its victory in the 2006 legislative elections.
Since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel came into effect in October 2025, the movement has repeatedly indicated its willingness to relinquish day-to-day administrative responsibilities, although disagreements over the future of its armed wing remain unresolved.
Speaking to AFP on Monday, the head of Hamas’ government media office, Ismail al-Thawabta, confirmed that the transition process had officially begun.
“The head of the government’s emergency committee, Mohammed al-Farra, has officially submitted his resignation,” al-Thawabta said.
“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).”
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza was established by the Board of Peace created by United States President Donald Trump after he brokered the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in October 2025.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described the move as another step aimed at removing obstacles that Israel has cited in continuing military operations in Gaza.
“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,” Qassem told AFP.
“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.”
A senior Hamas official also disclosed that the movement had already informed other Palestinian factions of the decision during recent meetings in Cairo.
According to the official, the factions welcomed the announcement, describing it as a genuine effort to facilitate the committee’s assumption of administrative duties.
“The factions welcomed Hamas’s decision, describing it as a serious step towards enabling the National Committee to take up its governing role,” the official said.
With the dissolution of the emergency governing committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, headed by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath, is expected to assume responsibility for civilian administration.
However, the committee has remained outside Gaza for several months, reportedly because Israel has objected to its entry into the territory.
Hamas and other Palestinian groups have continued discussions in Cairo with international mediators in an effort to resolve outstanding differences over the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The first stage of the agreement saw the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel.
Implementation of the second phase has remained stalled, largely because of disagreements surrounding Hamas’ disarmament and the planned withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Instead of withdrawing, Israeli troops have expanded their operations in recent months and are now reported to control nearly 70 percent of the territory.
Hamas has maintained that a recognised Palestinian civilian administration must first be established before it considers transferring any part of its military capabilities.
The future governance of Gaza remains one of the central issues preventing full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel has repeatedly rejected any scenario that would allow Hamas to return to power in Gaza while also opposing an immediate transfer of authority to the Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah.
