Hamas Dissolves Gaza Government, Hands Power to Technocrats

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas announced Monday it is dissolving the governing body that has run the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years. The move clears the way for a technocratic committee to take over civilian administration. Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, when its fighters seized power from the rival Fatah movement after winning legislative elections the previous year. The dissolution marks a significant political shift for the group. The decision comes after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in Gaza last October. However, key questions remain, including whether Hamas will disarm and how the new committee will operate.