Hamas Dissolves Gaza Governing Body... Announces Transfer of Administrative Authority for the First Time in 20 Years

Transition to Expert-Led NCAG Administration Expected

On July 6 (local time), the Palestinian militant faction Hamas officially announced the dissolution of its governing body in the Gaza Strip, which it had maintained for about 20 years. As a result, the Gaza Strip is expected to begin transitioning to a new administrative system, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will be led by experts.

The Hamas Information Office stated, "Mohammed Al-Farra, the head of the Emergency Committee, has submitted his resignation, and the existing Emergency Committee has been dissolved to ensure a smooth transfer of administrative authority to the NCAG."

Rafa building destroyed by Israeli airstrike. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Emergency Committee was a temporary administrative body run by Hamas after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, when existing government ministries, police, and the broader administrative system became paralyzed.

Hamas explained, "All public officials are now prepared to provide administrative services under the jurisdiction of the NCAG in the same manner as before," adding that "the administrative procedures necessary for the transfer of power have also been completed."

The NCAG is an administrative body established following the Gaza peace initiative that was promoted in October of last year through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas's latest decision is interpreted as an official step to transfer postwar administrative authority to the NCAG.

Until now, the NCAG had not taken on actual administrative duties due to delays in the disarmament of Hamas and the transfer of power. Hamas has claimed that the power transfer has been postponed because postwar negotiations with Israel have been delayed.

With Hamas formalizing the dissolution of its governing body, the restructuring of the Gaza Strip’s postwar administrative system is expected to accelerate. It is reported that NCAG members held a preliminary meeting in Cyprus last week to prepare for the administrative transition.

According to the Trump Administration’s postwar plan, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip will proceed only after it is verified that all armed groups have been fully disarmed.

This marks the first time Hamas has dissolved its governing body in the Gaza Strip since it seized control of the territory in 2007. After winning the 2006 Palestinian general election, Hamas formed a unity government with Fatah, but the following year, after a violent conflict, Hamas ousted Fatah forces and took full control of the Gaza Strip.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.