Hamas Signals Disbanding of Emergency Committee
Hamas has indicated its intention to dissolve the “emergency committee” currently governing the Gaza Strip, opting instead to transfer authority to the UN-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
Officials have mentioned that Hamas has wrapped up the necessary administrative steps for this transition, which is framed by a heavily negotiated agreement from Cairo, Egypt. They claim this decision demonstrates Hamas’ dedication to rebuilding Gaza after prolonged conflict and destruction.
Mohammed al-Falah, chief of the emergency committee, has officially resigned, according to Ismail al-Tawabta, who is the general director of the Hamas-run media agency, during a press conference on Monday.
This shift marks a notable political transformation for Hamas, which has been in control of Gaza since it overtook the Fatah movement in 2007.
However, it’s uncertain whether these announcements from lower-level officials will translate into significant changes in the long run.
Al-Tawabta emphasized that only “technical and professional personnel” would remain in their roles to oversee daily civilian operations.
He referred to these individuals as “civil servants ready to operate under the authority of the NCAG.”
NCAG, led by technocrat Ali Shas, was put in place under the framework of the Peace Commission, which was established following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in early 2026.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem characterized this development as a “positive step” towards fulfilling the ceasefire agreement.
The peace committee noted its acknowledgment of Hamas’ announcement and stated that evaluation will depend on actions rather than promises, focusing on addressing the essential needs of the Gaza population.
“We recognize today’s announcement concerning the dissolution of the Emergency Committee in Gaza. Ultimately, our evaluation will be guided by actions rather than commitments. Decisions must comprehensively align with the roadmap for enhancing governance, security, and transition in Gaza,” the Council shared on social media.
“We anticipate successful discussions regarding this roadmap, including the necessary steps to grant the NCAG full governance powers. Core principles emphasize: one authority, one law, one weapon,” the Council added.
“This means consolidating all arms under the control of the NCAG, in keeping with the Comprehensive Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803. True devolution should enable the NCAG to independently exercise its powers, including the necessary administrative and governance decisions.”
Despite this significant shift, an unnamed Israeli official dismissed the changes as mere “spin.”
“The claimed resignation of the Hamas government, where all members remain in their positions, is just spin that lacks credibility,” the official commented.
Nonetheless, the Cairo-based commission aims to restore critical services and manage civilian affairs under the oversight of the UN and the peace committee. Reports suggest the committee is led by Ali Shas, a Gazan engineer and former official with the Palestinian Authority.
