Hamas dissolves its governing body in Gaza

Hamas announced the dissolution of the body that has governed Gaza for nearly 20 years. The move paves the way for a technocratic committee to take over civil administration in the war-ravaged territory.

Scraper SystemJuly 06, 2026, 09:30 PM

Hamas dissolves its governing body in Gaza

Hamas announced the dissolution of its governing body in Gaza, ending nearly two decades of administrative structure. The decision initiates the process of transferring civil administration in the war-torn and blockaded territory to a technocratic committee.

According to a statement from the Government Media Office in Gaza, the head of the Government Emergency Committee, Mohammed al-Farra, officially resigned and announced the committee's dissolution. The statement said the step was taken to "demonstrate the seriousness of the measures taken, implement the agreed-upon arrangements, and facilitate the administrative transition process."

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP that "Hamas has taken a new step toward withdrawing from the administration of the Gaza Strip in order not to give the occupation a pretext to continue its attacks and war of destruction." Qassem stressed that they hope the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will quickly enter the territory and that Hamas is ready to transfer government responsibilities.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza, said Hamas's announcement was "politically significant" and seen as a concession to advance negotiations. Mahmoud stressed that the move does not mean Hamas is abandoning its political or military role, only that it is withdrawing from direct civil administration.

NCAG Chairman Ali Shaat welcomed Hamas's decision in a statement on social media. Shaat said the committee is "fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are provided."

Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative overseeing the Gaza Peace Board established by the United States, said the decision "underscores the importance of successfully concluding the roadmap talks." Mladenov said, "This is the bridge between declarations and implementation," and noted that the NCAG could assume its duties once agreement is reached on the remaining implementation provisions.

The NCAG has been stationed outside Gaza for months. Israel is reportedly objecting to its entry into the besieged territory. While Israel has declared it will not allow Hamas to govern the territory, it also rejects at this stage a direct takeover by the Palestinian Authority, which controls the occupied West Bank.

Hamas dissolves its governing body in Gaza