HAMAS is preparing to dissolve the governing body that has administered the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, according to officials from the group, in a move that could reshape the enclave’s post-war political structure.
AFP reported that the decision, which Hamas officials said would transfer civilian administrative responsibilities to a Palestinian technocratic committee, represents one of the most significant governance signals from the movement since it seized control of Gaza in 2007 following its split with Fatah.
“The movement has decided to dissolve the Gaza government committee and to appoint a nationally accepted figure to oversee the committee’s work until the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) formally assumes its responsibilities,” a Hamas official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The NCAG is expected to take over civilian governance functions, although it has yet to physically deploy into Gaza amid ongoing political and security constraints.
A second Hamas official said the decision had already been communicated to other Palestinian factions during talks held in Cairo, where mediators have been attempting to narrow gaps on Gaza’s post-ceasefire governance framework.
“The factions welcomed Hamas’ decision, describing it as a serious step towards enabling the National Committee to take up its governing role,” the official said.
The reported restructuring comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025 between Hamas and Israel, under which Hamas has repeatedly signalled its willingness to relinquish day-to-day administrative control of Gaza.
However, major political obstacles remain unresolved, particularly over the question of disarmament and the long-term security architecture of the territory.
The ceasefire’s first phase saw the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel, but negotiations over the second phase — which was expected to include Hamas’ disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal — have stalled for months.
Instead, Israeli forces have reportedly expanded their presence in parts of Gaza, while controlling significant portions of the territory.
At the same time, Hamas has insisted that any transfer of authority must be accompanied by the establishment of a functioning Palestinian administration, before it considers relinquishing its military capabilities.
The proposed NCAG, chaired by Palestinian official Ali Shaath and established under a broader international framework known as the Board of Peace, was set up following mediation efforts linked to the ceasefire agreement brokered in 2025. However, its deployment to Gaza has been delayed amid reported objections from Israel.
The governance question remains one of the central unresolved issues in ongoing negotiations, with Israel rejecting any return of Hamas to political power while also resisting an immediate full transfer of authority to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.
The latest announcement underscores both the fluidity and fragility of Gaza’s political transition, as competing demands over security, legitimacy and reconstruction continue to shape post-war arrangements. - July 6, 2026
