Hamas announced on Monday the dissolution of the administrative body that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007, marking a major political shift intended to pave the way for a non-political technocratic committee to assume civilian administration.

Emergency Committee Dissolved

Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Hamas' Government Media Office, confirmed the transition in a statement to AFP.

He said that Mohammed Abdul Khaleq al-Farra, head of the government's Emergency Committee, had submitted his resignation and officially dissolved the committee to facilitate the transfer of administrative and governmental responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

To ensure the continuity of public services during the transition, Hamas said all current civil servants will remain in their positions and continue providing municipal and social services under the future administration of the NCAG. In the meantime, Abdul Hadi al-Agha will oversee the transition process.

Formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza

The NCAG was established under the international framework initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The committee operates under the Board of Peace, an advisory body created by the Trump administration following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025. It functions under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 as an independent, non-political body composed of qualified Palestinian technocrats from the Gaza Strip.

The committee is led by Chief Commissioner Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister, and has been based in Cairo since mid-January 2026 while preparing its administrative plans.

Civilian Role and Remaining Challenges

Hamas' decision to dissolve its Emergency Committee represents a key step in implementing Trump's 20-point peace plan, but several challenges remain before the transition can be completed.

The NCAG's mandate is limited to civilian administration, restoring public services, and overseeing donor-supported reconstruction. During meetings with representatives of the Board of Peace, including Tony Blair, it was reaffirmed that the committee has no political authority to negotiate international agreements or oversee the disarmament of armed groups.

A major point of disagreement also remains over disarmament. Israel continues to oppose any return of Hamas to governing Gaza, while Hamas insists that a functioning Palestinian civilian administration must first be established before discussing any concessions regarding its military capabilities.

Although the procedures for transferring civilian responsibilities have been completed, the NCAG has not yet entered the Gaza Strip. The committee's assumption of administrative duties depends on Israel authorizing border access and the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.