In a dramatic political shift after nearly two decades of rule, Hamas has formally dissolved its governing apparatus in the Gaza Strip and declared its readiness to transfer administrative authority to a US-backed Palestinian technocratic committee. However, the move—widely seen as a bid to break a stalemated peace process—has been met with skepticism from Israel and the UN-mandated body tasked with overseeing the transition, which insists that disarmament remains the core outstanding issue.
The announcement, made on Monday, saw Mohammed al-Farra, the head of Hamas’s Government Emergency Committee, tender his resignation and the committee’s dissolution. The power is to be handed to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 13-member body of independent Palestinian technocrats led by Ali Shaath. The NCAG was established in January under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 as part of a 20-point peace plan brokered by the Trump administration.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem framed the decision as an effort to remove pretexts for continued Israeli military action. “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. He added that the group had fulfilled its obligations and that “the ball is now in the mediators’ court”.
Despite the political concession, Hamas has made no commitment to disarm unilaterally—a key demand from Israel and the United States. The group has consistently tied any handover of its weapons to a full Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.
Committee Ready, But Unable to Enter Gaza
While the NCAG has declared itself “fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities,” it remains blocked from entering the Strip. The committee has been operating from Cairo since its formation, with Hamas and Palestinian officials accusing Israel of deliberately obstructing its entry to create an “administrative vacuum”.
Ismail al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas-run media office, urged all parties to expedite the committee’s entry, stating that only “technical and professional staff” would remain in their posts to ensure the continuity of public services.
The response from Israel has been dismissive. A senior Israeli official, quoted by public broadcaster KAN, described the dissolution as a “spin that has no meaning,” noting that many of the same officials remain in place. The development comes as Israel continues to control approximately 70% of Gaza’s territory and has carried out near-daily strikes since the October 2025 ceasefire, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed in that period.
Humanitarian Zone Plan Raises Concerns
Amid the political maneuvering, the Trump-administration’s Board of Peace is moving forward with a plan to establish a pilot “humanitarian zone” in Rafah, southern Gaza. The zone, intended to house tens of thousands of vetted Palestinian civilians, would be secured by a multinational force and managed by the NCAG.
However, the plan has drawn sharp criticism. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has likened the proposed enclaves to “concentration camps,” and diplomats and NGO officials have expressed concern that the screening mechanisms may be incompatible with international humanitarian law.
Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, described Hamas’s announcement as “the bridge between declarations and implementation”. But the Board’s official response was guarded, stating that its assessment would be “guided by actions, not promises” and reiterating the core principle of “one authority, one law, and one weapon” under NCAG control.
Analysts suggest the Hamas move is a strategic gambit to circumvent Israeli proposals that would limit reconstruction and governance to small, isolated pockets of the territory. With Israeli elections looming by late October, diplomats expect little tangible progress on Gaza’s future in the immediate term.
