Hamas Takes Major Step, Dissolves Governing Body in Gaza Strip After Nearly 20 Years

Key News on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

(CNA Gaza City, 6th, Combined News Agencies) - The Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas announced today that the body governing the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years has been dissolved, paving the way for a Palestinian technocratic committee to take over and implement civilian rule.

According to Agence France-Presse, this move marks a significant political shift for Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since seizing control from its rival Palestinian faction Fatah in 2007.

Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas government's media office, told AFP today that Mohammed al-Farra, chairman of the Gaza government's emergency committee, "has officially submitted his resignation, and it has been decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the transfer of administrative and governance authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)."

The Board of Peace, established when U.S. President Donald Trump mediated a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel last October, subsequently formed the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

Since the ceasefire took effect, Hamas has repeatedly stated its readiness to withdraw from the daily governance of Gaza, but the thorny issue of its disarmament has remained unresolved. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza has also not yet entered Gaza, reportedly due to Israeli objections.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement, which was intended to move into its second phase involving Hamas's disarmament and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, has stalled for months.

Hamas and other Palestinian factions have recently held several rounds of talks with mediators in Cairo, Egypt, to narrow their differences, particularly on the issues of the second phase.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told AFP today: "So that the occupying power, which is still engaged in a war of aggression and genocide, has no excuse, Hamas has taken a new step and will no longer be responsible for affairs in the Gaza Strip."

He added: "We hope that the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza will enter quickly, and Hamas reiterates its readiness to hand over governance responsibilities to this committee to ensure its success." (Compiled by Chang Cheng-chiu) 1150706

Stand with facts, your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom

Download CNA's 'Firsthand News' APP for real-time updates

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.