Hamas Moves to Dissolve Gaza Government

On Sunday, Hamas announced it is prepared to dissolve the current Gaza government in favor of the Palestinian Technical Committee linked to President Trump’s peace initiative.

The group stated that it has directed governmental agencies in Gaza to ready themselves for a transition of power, which follows Trump’s impending announcement regarding the formation of a peace commission to temporarily govern the Palestinian area.

“In light of President Trump’s statement about setting up a peace commission for Gaza, we have instructed all governmental bodies to prepare for a complete handover of authority to this independent Palestinian technical committee,” explained Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem.

This shift indicates a willingness from Hamas to see a Palestinian independence organization manage Gaza, though uncertainties remain regarding who will actually take charge in place of Hamas.

Hamas has been in control of Gaza for nearly twenty years and is expected to announce members of a technocratic committee soon, which would be appointed by a peace committee still in the works.

Meanwhile, Israel revealed that Bulgarian diplomat Nikolai Mladenov has been selected as the secretary general of the council, with further appointments from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East anticipated shortly.

Under Trump’s plan, this council will be responsible for establishing a new Palestinian government, withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza, disarming Hamas, and facilitating the entry of international security forces.

While Hamas has agreed to the transfer of power, it has consistently stated that it will not disarm until Israel commits to a plan leading toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Growing differences in opinion regarding the ceasefire are causing apprehension about the future. Both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire terms since its implementation last fall.

According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, ongoing Israeli shelling in the Gaza Strip has resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Israel has issued warnings that if the ceasefire fails, its military is ready to resume significant operations in Gaza by March, particularly targeting Gaza City, which did not face massive devastation earlier in the conflict.