Hamas's rule in Gaza officially transitioned on July 8, 2026, when the group dissolved its Government Emergency Committee, marking a significant shift in governance after 20 years of conflict and blockade. This change transfers authority to the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, aiming to address the dire humanitarian situation.
2006: The Rise of Hamas and Immediate Challenges
On January 26, 2006, Hamas achieved a surprising victory in the Palestinian parliamentary elections, securing 76 out of 132 seats. The election saw a high turnout of nearly 78 percent, as voters embraced Hamas over the long-dominant Fatah movement, which managed only 43 seats. However, this victory led to immediate international isolation and a stringent Israeli blockade.
Palestinian legislator Hanan Ashrawi warned that Hamas's win could lead to isolation, a concern that quickly materialized when Western powers rejected the election results. The ensuing blockade severely impacted Gaza's economy, leading to widespread reliance on aid.
2006-2010: Escalation of Conflict and Blockade
The situation deteriorated further after the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit on June 25, 2006, which Israel used to justify tightening the blockade. By June 14, 2007, Hamas had established full control over Gaza, prompting President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the unity government. This led to an extensive blockade that rendered 80 percent of Gaza's population dependent on humanitarian aid.
Despite various attempts to break the siege, including the 2010 Freedom Flotilla, the blockade remained a critical aspect of life in Gaza, resulting in the closure of 80 percent of factories and significant job losses.
2014-2023: Attempts at Reconciliation Amidst Ongoing Conflict
In 2014, Hamas formed an administrative committee to manage the enclave amidst continual military offensives and the blockade. By 2017, Hamas sought to ease its isolation by releasing a new political document and dissolving its administrative committee to facilitate a unity government under Egyptian pressure. However, reconciliation efforts frequently faltered.
In October 2023, a significant attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and over 200 captives taken to Gaza. Israel's subsequent military response led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with over 70,000 deaths reported in Gaza by mid-2025.
2023-2025: War and Governance Challenges
Following the outbreak of war in October 2023, Hamas activated the Government Emergency Committee to oversee essential services like hospitals and water supplies. Throughout the conflict, Israel targeted Gaza's infrastructure and Hamas leaders. The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024 and Issam al-Da’alis in March 2025 significantly weakened Hamas's governance capabilities.
- 2006: Hamas wins parliamentary elections.
- 2007: Hamas takes full control of Gaza.
- 2010: Freedom Flotilla incident occurs.
- 2023: Attack on southern Israel leads to war.
- 2024: Haniyeh assassinated.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
