Hamas Ditches Gaza Government, But Israel Blocks New Leaders at the Border
Hamas has dissolved its governing bodies in Gaza and handed power to a technocrat committee, but Israel is blocking the new leaders from entering the strip, leaving the territory in political limbo.
The Islamist movement announced Monday it is dissolving its emergency government in Gaza and transferring control to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a body of non-political experts created in January under a U.S.-backed plan to end the war [190455][191015][190788]. The group stated it has taken "practical measures" and is "fully ready to hand over the reins of government" [190455].
Hamas spokesman confirmed the move is a "serious step being implemented on the ground" and implements the group's previously declared position that it will not be part of post-war governance arrangements [190365]. The dissolved body, known as the Gaza Administrative Committee, had managed day-to-day affairs in the strip since 2007 [190788][190339].
However, Israel has blocked the NCAG from entering Gaza since it was formed [190455]. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the announcement, accusing Hamas of trying to "deceive the international community" and insisting on the group's complete disarmament [190455]. Israel continues daily attacks on Gaza, killing over 1,000 Palestinians since last October, and has expanded its occupation of the territory [190455].
The NCAG leader, Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, stated his committee is "fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the conditions and necessary measures for its operation are in place" [190455]. The United Nations welcomed the decision, supporting "any step that contributes" to a ceasefire and unified Palestinian governance under the Palestinian Authority [190371].
Analysts say the dissolution does not address deeper questions about whether Hamas will disarm or how the new committee will operate [190333][190616]. Hamas refuses to hand weapons to Israeli forces but is willing to give them to a Palestinian actor or representative chosen in ongoing Cairo talks [190455]. The group retains its armed wing, and experts warn there are "no signs that Hamas is about to surrender its weapons" [190616].