On Monday, Hamas announced it would transfer control of Gaza to a committee of Palestinian technocrats, marking a significant shift nearly 20 years after the group assumed power in the territory. This decision aims to advance a stalled peace plan backed by former US President Donald Trump, amidst ongoing tensions with Israel, according to Middle East expert Jean-Paul Chagnollaud.
Hamas's Governance Shift
Hamas, the Islamist militant group governing Gaza since 2007, declared the dissolution of its governing bodies on July 6, 2026. Ismaïl al-Thawabta, the head of Hamas's media office, stated that the group’s “government emergency committee” has resigned, paving the way for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to take over.
The NCAG, established under a UN mandate and supervised by Trump's Board of Peace, is currently based in Cairo. This transition is seen as a gesture to improve Gaza's conditions and may help facilitate the implementation of the peace plan, which has been stalled due to ongoing conflicts.
Israel's Reaction and Future Prospects
The Israeli government responded swiftly, dismissing Hamas's announcement as a “stunt” aimed at avoiding disarmament, a key condition of the ceasefire established in October 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed intentions for Israel to control 70% of the Gaza Strip “soon,” casting doubt on whether Hamas's administrative withdrawal will lead to substantial peace progress.
Chagnollaud emphasized that while Hamas's announcement signifies an intent to shift power, the actual implementation remains uncertain. The Israeli authorities continue to block the Palestinian committee's entry into Gaza, and local government staff are expected to remain unchanged despite the administrative shift.
Implications for Peace and Humanitarian Conditions
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on essential supplies. A recent UN report highlighted severe living conditions, prompting Hamas to seek advancements in Trump's peace plan. The current phase of the ceasefire involves a potential withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which remains contentious.
Despite Hamas's willingness to discuss disarmament, the group is unlikely to completely relinquish its military capabilities. Instead, they may consider transferring arms to a Palestinian authority under NCAG supervision, which is crucial for future negotiations.
- Hamas's governing bodies dissolved on July 6, 2026
- NCAG created under UN mandate, supervised by Trump's Board of Peace
- Israeli control over 70% of Gaza anticipated by Netanyahu
- Ongoing humanitarian crisis with severe living conditions in Gaza
In summary, while Hamas's decision to transfer governance signals a potential shift in the power dynamics in Gaza, the path towards lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, particularly regarding Israeli control and the humanitarian situation.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by France 24 World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
