The Hamas militant organization announced Monday that it has dissolved its governmental structure in Gaza and is preparing to hand over administrative control to a technical committee supported by the United Nations, marking a potential shift in the territory’s governance nine months after a ceasefire agreement was reached.
The announcement came during a press conference at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where Ismail al-Thawabta, general director of the Hamas-run Government Media Office, stated that only technical and professional staff would remain in their positions to manage the Palestinian enclave’s daily operations. Al-Thawabta emphasized that all employees providing services are state employees who are prepared to work under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem characterized the move as a positive step toward implementing the ceasefire agreement. However, the organization did not clarify whether it would take the critical step of disarming or transferring security responsibilities to an international force, describing its decision instead as evidence of commitment to Gaza’s reconstruction following years of conflict.
The Board of Peace, a new entity established under President Donald Trump’s leadership with a mandate to govern and rebuild Gaza, acknowledged the Hamas announcement but indicated it would evaluate the impact based on actions rather than promises. The board emphasized that the technocratic committee must control all weapons in Gaza, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed skepticism about the announcement, suggesting it was designed to avoid disarmament requirements. He stated that as long as Hamas maintains its weapons, any civilian government would operate under Hamas’s direction.
The technical committee, headquartered in Cairo, is headed by Ali Shaath, a Gaza-born engineer and former Palestinian Authority official. The committee’s mandate includes restoring essential services and overseeing civilian affairs under the supervision of the United Nations and the Board of Peace. Shaath acknowledged Monday’s announcement and stressed that effective committee functioning requires a single governing authority operating under one legal framework and a unified security apparatus accountable to that authority.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain largely stalled over implementing the ceasefire’s second phase, which includes Hamas disarmament and Gaza reconstruction. Hamas has insisted on completing the first phase before discussing its weapons.
The conflict began with the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in 73,098 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry’s records indicate that women and children comprise approximately half of all fatalities.
Despite the ceasefire taking effect on October 10, Israeli strikes continue almost daily, though at a reduced rate. Israel’s military maintains it targets Hamas and other militants planning attacks, though these strikes have also resulted in civilian casualties. On Monday, Israeli strikes killed at least five people in Gaza, including three in Khan Younis and two in Gaza City. The Israeli military stated it targeted a Hamas operative in Gaza City and a Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant in Khan Younis.
Militants have conducted shooting attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza, resulting in five Israeli soldiers killed since the ceasefire began. The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the current situation and the challenges facing any transition of power in the territory.
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