Palestinian movement Hamas has dissolved the governing body that ran the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years, paving the way for an unelected technocratic committee for civilian rule.
The decision could be a huge political paradigm change for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 after taking control of the territory from rival Palestinian organisation Fatah in elections to a legislative council in 2006.
Ismail al-Thawabta, Hamas’s government media chief, was quoted by the agency as saying Mohammed al-Farra, head of the government’s emergency committee, had officially resigned and the committee had been dissolved and moved over to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
Hazem Qassem, Hamas’ spokesman, said the movement had decided to exit the Gaza government to draw Israeli military operations to a close due to what the group considers “Israeli excuses” for an assault on the territory.
He also said that Hamas was ready to transfer its power to the NCAG in order to make the transition smooth.
The NCAG, led by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath, was formed by the Board of Peace formed by US President Donald Trump that brokered the cease fire between Hamas and Israel in October 2025.
But the committee has not been able to enter Gaza, with Israel reportedly objecting to their presence.
A Hamas source said the movement had notified other Palestinian factions during recent talks in Cairo of the decision as a positive development for the creation of a new governing system, at the time the move was greeted as a positive development.
While there has been a political change, there are still significant differences on the second phase of the ceasefire.
Israel has repeatedly refused to accept the possibility of Hamas governing the Palestinians and an immediate handover of the Palestinian Authority, even though it is not yet ready to accept the formation of a Palestinian administration.
Israel rejects both the possibility of Hamas controlling the Palestinians and a quick handover of the Palestinian Authority, while Hamas has insisted that such an administration must be set up before beginning disarmament talks.
The Israelis have also increased their control, with their own forces taking possession of almost 70 per cent of Gaza, further muddying the waters surrounding its future after the war.
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