After ruling Gaza for nearly two decades, Hamas has announced that it is stepping down from the territory’s civil administration and has invited a US-backed technocratic committee to take charge of governance.
The move is part of the ceasefire framework brokered through US mediation. However, while Hamas has agreed to give up its governing role, it has made no commitment to disarm, leaving a key point of contention unresolved.
The announcement raises fresh questions about Gaza’s future after Hamas, which has governed the territory since 2007.
Senior Hamas official confirms resignation
According to AFP, Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of Hamas’ Government Media Office, said Mohammed Al-Farra, the head of the government’s emergency committee, has officially submitted his resignation.
The resignation is seen as the first formal step toward transferring civilian administration to the proposed technocratic body.
Hamas offers to hand over civilian governance
Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 after splitting from Fatah. Its decision to relinquish civilian governance is being viewed as one of the group’s most significant political concessions.
The group said only technical and professional staff responsible for delivering public services would remain in their roles, while the new committee would oversee civilian administration.
The proposed body, known as the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), was established under the ceasefire agreement in January. However, Israel has so far prevented the committee from entering Gaza.
Hamas says its decision reflects its commitment to Gaza’s reconstruction after nearly two years of devastating conflict. The move also puts pressure on Israel to allow the committee to assume its role.
Experts say core conflict remains unresolved
Dr B. Bala Bhaskar, a former Indian Ambassador to Norway and now a professor at the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), said the issue should be viewed as a long-standing territorial dispute that neither side appears willing to fully resolve.
According to him, Hamas’ long-term objective is not simply to hand over control, but to continue its broader struggle. He also noted that after years of war, much of Gaza’s governing infrastructure has been severely damaged.
He added that nearly 60 per cent of Gaza’s territory is currently under Israeli control.
Hamas refuses to give up weapons
Despite agreeing to step away from governance, Hamas has not said it will surrender its weapons.
The ceasefire framework envisions a single governing authority with control over weapons, but Hamas has not accepted that condition.
Israeli officials argue that as long as Hamas retains its military capability, any civilian administration in Gaza will remain under its influence.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X that Israel remains committed to implementing US President Donald Trump’s plan, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups, along with the complete demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip.
Analysts see move as pressure for ceasefire
Simon Mabon, Professor at Lancaster University, told NDTV that Hamas’ decision appears aimed at increasing international pressure on Israel to move forward with the ceasefire process.
He said the group wants to demonstrate that it is serious about implementing the ceasefire but believes meaningful progress will require concrete action from all sides.
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According to Mabon, Hamas’ willingness to hand over civilian administration, while refusing to disarm, is intended to encourage negotiations rather than represent a complete withdrawal from power.
New administration faces major challenges
The technocratic committee, led by Ali Shath and supported by the United Nations and the US-backed Board of Peace, will be responsible for restoring essential public services and managing civilian affairs in Gaza.
However, the committee faces significant obstacles. Many Palestinians remain sceptical of a governance model designed outside Gaza, while ongoing Israeli restrictions and unresolved political divisions continue to cast doubt over whether the new administration will be able to function effectively.
First published on: Jul 07, 2026 12:53 PM IST
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