Hamas dissolves the Gaza government. "Now it’s the technocrats’ turn"

Hamas announced the dissolution of the body that governed the Gaza Strip for almost twenty years, paving the way for a technical-governmental committee that will administer the territory. The move marks a significant shift for the Islamist movement that has ruled Gaza since 2007, when it took control by expelling Fatahwhich did not recognize the result of the previous year’s elections.

Since it came into force last October the ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas has repeatedly said it is ready to step aside from day-to-day management, but the thorny issue of its disarmament remains unresolved.

The announcement of the Hamas government

“The head of the government’s emergency committee, Mohammed al-Farra, has officially submitted his resignation,” Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas government’s press office, told AFP. “He also decided to dissolve the committee to facilitate the administrative and governmental transition to National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (Straight)”.

The NCAG, currently based in Cairo, was created by the Peace Council established by US President Donald Trump when he brokered the ceasefire in October 2025.

Hamas’s reaction

“Hamas has taken a new step, giving up control of the Gaza Strip, in order to eliminate any pretext for the occupation, which continues its aggression and war of extermination,” Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP. For its part, the NCAG has stated that it is ready to govern Gaza.

“We affirm that the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza is fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available,” Ali Shaath, head of the committee, wrote in X. “The fundamental requirements for the success of the committee are a single authority, a single law with a clear mandate and a single armed force under the authority of this single entity.”

Following today’s announcement regarding the dissolution of the “Emergency Committee” in Gaza, and the completion of preparations to transfer administrative responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)

— Dr. Ali Shaath (@AliShaathNCAG) July 6, 2026

The Peace Council’s response

The Peace Council said it took note of Hamas’ announcement and called for all weapons in Gaza to be placed under the control of the Ncag. “The fundamental principle remains that of one authority, one law and one weapon,” wrote the National Committee for the Governance of Gaza. “This means the consolidation of all weapons under the control of the Ncag, as foreseen by the Comprehensive Plan for Peace in Gaza and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2802″.

For Mkhaimar Abusada, a political analyst expert on Gaza issues, Hamas’ move was a “symbolic gesture”. “The problem is not the dissolution of their governing committee, but the disarmament agreement,” he says. “Hamas has not agreed to disarm and this remains the critical point.”

The stalemate over the second phase of the ceasefire

The first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza included the release of the last Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians arrested by Israel. The transition to the second phase, which should have included the disarmament of Hamas and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gazahas been blocked for months. Israeli forces have actually expanded their presence in recent months, taking control of almost 70% of the territory. Meanwhile, Hamas demands the establishment of a Palestinian administration before considering handing over any part of its arsenal.

A Palestinian source told the Times of Israel that Hamas’ move aims to transform Hamas’ current governance structure into an interim setup, while increasing pressure on the Peace Council and Israel to allow the NCAG to enter Gaza.