Hamas to Dissolve Emergency Committee in Gaza

On Monday, Hamas declared its intention to dissolve the emergency committee responsible for managing Gaza’s civilian government. This move might open the door for a new U.S.-backed administration to take control.

The new entity, referred to as the National Commission for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), is designed to handle civil affairs in a post-conflict Gaza, under U.S. support.

Since taking power in 2007, Hamas has been the ruling force in Gaza. The group was also behind the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing conflict. Israel has made it clear that Hamas should not be involved in governance or military matters in the aftermath of the war.

This announcement might be a critical evaluation of President Trump’s framework for Gaza and his broader diplomatic efforts in the region. A genuine shift in power could allow for the formation of a new government in Gaza. Still, some critics argue that Hamas might be trying to evade the responsibilities of governance while maintaining its weapon capabilities and significant influence in the region.

President Trump’s peace commission responded with caution, stating that future assessments would depend on actions rather than just words. The committee that is currently set up near Gaza expressed readiness to begin operations when conditions allow.

Notably, Hamas did not commit to disarmament in this announcement, which is a key demand from Israel and part of Trump’s framework for postwar governance.

A Gazan teacher and activist, Alaa Abo Nadi, commented that the committees being disbanded never truly held authority. “I think this is just an attempt by Hamas to buy time,” he remarked, questioning whether the group is truly willing to disarm its militias.

Abo Nadi pointed out that civilian officials in Gaza have long operated without real independence, frequently answering to Hamas’s security organizations. He highlighted that even a Hamas security personnel could be arrested or have their authority stripped if they stepped out of line. “As long as Hamas keeps its weapons, this seems to be more about maintaining control and buying time,” he added.

Others, like Hadir Wais, editor-in-chief of Jusor News, referred to the dissolution as a “performative step” likely encouraged by regional allies of Hamas. Wais suggested this move might send a message to Trump, indicating that Hamas has met its obligations, putting pressure on Israel regarding the next phase of the peace plan.

Critics like Michael Milshteyn from Tel Aviv University viewed the dissolution as largely symbolic yet noted that it could signal a greater diplomatic push. He pointed out that countries like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are hoping to encourage compromise that advances stalled agreements, particularly around disarmament.

Milshteyn indicated that rather than seeking an immediate and complete disarmament, mediators may prefer a more gradual approach that Hamas would find acceptable. He suggested that Hamas has effectively placed the onus back on Israel to react, claiming it has relinquished formal control.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized this approach, likening it to Hezbollah’s model in Lebanon where armed groups maintain military power while civilian organizations manage services. He emphasized that as long as Hamas retains military dominance, it won’t matter who manages civilian aspects of governance.

The United Nations took a cautiously positive stance, welcoming news of Hamas’s announcement and expressing hope that it would contribute to a ceasefire and the protection of civilians during this transitional period.

Ultimately, the real test will come when the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza arrives and attempts to operate independently while Hamas gives up both its governance role and military control.