Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body to allow technocratic committee rule

Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body to allow technocratic committee rule

Hamas announced on Monday, July 6, the dissolution of the governing body that has controlled the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades. The move is intended to clear the way for a technocratic committee to implement civilian rule in the coastal territory.

The dissolution follows a period of governance that began in 2007, after Hamas fighters seized control from the rival Palestinian movement Fatah following legislative elections the previous year. This shift comes as the group has repeatedly stated its readiness to step aside from day-to-day governance since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025.

Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas government media office, announced from the Al-Aqsa Martyr's Hospital in Gaza City that Mohammed al-Farra, the head of the government's emergency committee, has officially resigned. According to al-Thawabta, al-Farra also decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

The NCAG is described on its website as a transitional, technocratic and apolitical Palestinian group. It was created by the Board of Peace, an entity established by US President Donald Trump when he brokered the October 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP that the decision is a new step taken in order to remove any pretexts for the occupation, which continues its aggression and war of extermination. Qassem added that the group is ready to hand over governmental responsibilities to ensure the success of the committee.

The NCAG is led by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath. In a statement on Monday, Shaath said the group is fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available. He further stated that there must be a single law with a clear mandate, and a single armed force under the authority of this single entity.

Despite the announcement, the NCAG has remained based outside Gaza in Cairo for months. Reports indicate this is due to Israeli objections to the committee's entry into the territory.

The transition is complicated by a stalled ceasefire agreement. While the first phase involved the release of the last Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel, the second phase has not progressed. This stage was intended to involve the disarmament of Hamas and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israeli forces have instead expanded their presence in recent months, taking control of nearly 70% of the territory.

The Palestinian Ministry for Health reported that Israel has carried out strikes almost daily since the agreement, killing more than 1,000 people in the enclave. Hamas continues to demand the establishment of a Palestinian administration before it will consider handing over any part of its arsenal.

Israel has characterized the dissolution of the governing body as a trick to avoid disarming. The Israeli government rejects any return of Hamas to power, while also rejecting a direct takeover by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority at this stage.

The Board of Peace stated on Monday that it has taken note of the announcement, but added that its assessment will be guided by actions, not promises, to meet the critical needs of the people of Gaza.

Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at Kings College London's School of Security Studies, told NBC that Hamas is giving up the visible burden of governing a devastated Gaza but is not giving up the instruments that allow it to shape what happens next. He stated, I would not confuse the dissolution of an administrative body with the surrender of power, noting that Hamas power rests in weapons, tunnel infrastructure, internal security networks, and social penetration, among other factors.

Hamas officials previously informed other Palestinian factions of the decision at a meeting in Cairo, where the factions reportedly welcomed the move as a serious step toward enabling the NCAG to take its governing role.