Hamas has dissolved its civil administration body in the Gaza Strip, ending its administrative presence in the territory. The decision initiated the transition of governance to a technocratic committee in Gaza, which has been devastated by Israeli attacks and remains under blockade.
The Government Media Office in Gaza announced that the Chairman of the Government Emergency Committee, Muhammad al-Farra, had resigned and the committee was dissolved. The statement said the move aimed to "demonstrate the seriousness of the measures taken, implement the agreed-upon arrangements, and facilitate the administrative transition process."
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told AFP, "Hamas has taken a new step toward withdrawing from the administration of the Gaza Strip in order to deny the occupation any pretext to continue its attacks and war of destruction." Qassem stressed that they expect the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to enter the territory and that Hamas is ready to transfer government responsibilities.
NCAG Chairman Ali Shaat welcomed Hamas's decision in a social media statement. Shaat said the committee is "fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are provided."
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud reporting from Gaza, Hamas's announcement is seen as a politically significant development and a concession to advance negotiations. Mahmoud noted that the move does not mean Hamas is abandoning its political or military role, only that it is withdrawing from direct civil administration.
High Representative Nickolay Mladenov, who oversees the Gaza Peace Board established by the US, said the decision "underscores the importance of successfully concluding the roadmap negotiations." Mladenov said, "This is the bridge between declarations and implementation," adding that the NCAG could assume its duties once agreement is reached on the remaining implementation provisions.
The NCAG has reportedly been stationed outside Gaza for months. Israel is said to object to the committee's entry into the besieged territory. While Israel has declared it will not allow Hamas to govern the territory, it also rejects at this stage a direct takeover by the Palestinian Authority, which controls the occupied West Bank.
