Dissolution of Hamas Government in Gaza: What Comes Next?

The Islamist group Hamas announced the dissolution of its government in the Gaza Strip to cede civil control to a Palestinian technical committee. The surprising decision seeks to facilitate the administration of the territory after months of war, fulfilling one of the conditions of the current international peace plan.

Ismail al Thawabta, head of Hamas’s media office, made the official announcement from Deir al Balah. At that same appearance, the interim leader of Gaza’s Emergency Committee, Muhammad Abdul Jaliq al Farra, submitted his resignation. However, the technical and administrative leadership of local ministries will continue in their posts.

The dissolution temporarily leaves the Gaza Strip in a profound power vacuum. The expected administrative transition depends on the Israeli government allowing the safe entry of the new group of technocrats backed by the United States.

What is the new committee that will administer Gaza?

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) is a group formed by 12 independent Palestinian experts. This technical body was created under President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to govern Gaza after the war.

The NCAG will be led by Ali Sha’ath and will operate under the supervision of the International Peace Board. Its main mission will be to restore basic public services, stabilize daily life, and lead the future reconstruction of the devastated territory.

So far, NCAG members are in Cairo awaiting the ability to physically enter Gaza. Hamas assured that all its public employees are willing to work immediately under the orders of this new body.

Why is Hamas ceding administration of the enclave?

The Islamist group governed the Gaza Strip continuously for nearly 20 years. Its decision to cede civil power fulfills part of the ceasefire agreement mediated by the U.S. government.

In its statement, Hamas justified this strategic measure as fulfilling a “national obligation.” It also claimed to have received solid guarantees that international preparations for the civil government transition were finally completed.

However, experts point out that the announcement puts immense political pressure on Israel. The Netanyahu government has blocked the entry of the NCAG and the creation of “pilot zones” where Palestinians would live under the new technocratic committee.

Additionally, Hamas’s statement made no mention whatsoever of disarming its militias, a central point demanded in the second phase of the international peace agreement.

How did Israel react to this dissolution?

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar completely dismissed the dissolution of Hamas’s government. He accused the armed group of pretending to cede power to avoid