Hamas has dissolved its governing body in Gaza, paving the way for a technocratic committee to take over. The move comes as part of a US-backed peace initiative aimed at stabilizing the region. The Hamas government announced the resignation of its 'Emergency Committee,' which has overseen Gaza since October 2023, and expressed readiness to transfer authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
The NCAG, described as a 'transitional, technocratic, and apolitical' body, was established in January under President Donald Trump's 'Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.' The plan outlines that the committee would be overseen by Trump's 'Board of Peace,' which held a meeting last month in Cyprus to discuss peace efforts.
In a statement, the Board of Peace said it would assess Hamas' actions, not promises, to meet the critical needs of Gaza. The board emphasized the need for 'one authority, one law, and one weapon' in Gaza, meaning a single ruling body enforcing one law with a unified armed force.
Hamas' announcement is seen as largely symbolic, as it does not mention disarmament—a key requirement by Israel for a lasting peace deal. Palestinian official Ali Shaath, leading the NCAG, stated the committee is 'fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities' once resources and capabilities are available.
Despite the dissolution, Hamas clarified that ministries and personnel would remain operational, and the group would retain oversight of security in areas under its control. The move comes amid pressure on Israel to uphold other elements of the stalled US-backed peace initiative.