Major breakthrough in Gaza: Hamas set to hand power to independent committee

GAZA CITY: Hamas has announced its decision to end its nearly two-decade-long governance of the Gaza Strip, expressing readiness to dissolve its current government and hand over administrative control to an independent committee. The significant shift comes as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations mediated by the United States.

Ismail al-Thawabta, the head of Hamas’s Government Media Office, made the official announcement, stating that the group is prepared to hand over all administrative responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. This body, comprised of technical experts, was specifically formed to assume governance under the framework of a ceasefire and peace agreement signed between Hamas and Israel in October 2025, which was mediated by US President Donald Trump.

Hamas has held administrative control over the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years, following its victory in the 2006 elections. The newly announced transition would mark an official withdrawal of Hamas from its long-standing role in running the day-to-day administrative affairs of the enclave.

However, the definitive timeline for this transfer of power remains unconfirmed. Hamas has not yet responded to or accepted the demand for disarmament, which remains a primary condition of the broader ceasefire agreement. Due to the lack of clarity surrounding the disarmament clause, officials have not confirmed when the administrative transition will formally take effect.