Hamas dissolves its government in Gaza to transfer power to a UN-backed committee
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Hamas militant group said Monday it has dissolved its government. Gaza and is preparing to transfer authority to a technical committee backed by the United Nations as part of a US-brokered agreement. truce to agree.
Hamas did not say whether it planned to take such a vital step as disarmament or handing over security to an international force, but described its decision as evidence of its determination on the issue. Reconstruction of Gaza after years of war.
It was unclear whether the move, announced by a low-level official, would lead to meaningful change on the ground.
Peace Boardnew entity led by President Donald Trump Israel, which has the authority to govern and rebuild Gaza, said it was aware of Hamas’ announcement but would evaluate its impact based on “deeds, not words.” In its statement regarding X, the Board emphasized that the technocratic committee should control all weapons in Gaza, as stated in the ceasefire agreement.
At a press conference on Monday, Ismail al-Sawabta, director general of the Hamas-run Government Media Office, said that “only technical and professional personnel” would remain in their posts to handle the daily affairs of the Palestinian territory.
“All employees working in service delivery are ‘state employees’ and are fully prepared to work under the National Committee of Gaza Administration,” Al Sawabta said at a press conference in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al Balah. he said. Hamas spokesman Hazem Kasim called this “a positive step towards implementing the ceasefire agreement”.
Israel rejected the announcement as irrelevant. “The claim that the Hamas government has resigned, with all Hamas members remaining in their positions, is a diversion that has no significance,” said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The committee of technocrats, based in Cairo, is chaired by Ali Shaath, a Gaza-born engineer and former official of the Palestinian Authority. It has the authority to restore basic services and oversee civil affairs under the supervision of the UN and the Peace Board.
Nine months after the ceasefire was signed, negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue largely deadlocked On the implementation of its second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Hamas insisted on implementing the first phase before discussing its weapons.
On October 7, 2023, approximately 1,200 people died and 251 people were taken hostage in Israel in the attack by Hamas-led militants that ignited the war. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza killed 73,098 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, is staffed by medical experts and keeps detailed records that are generally considered reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. No distinction is made between civilians and militants, but it is stated that approximately half of the deaths were women and children.
Israeli attacks have decreased significantly since the ceasefire came into force on October 10, but they continue almost daily. The Israeli military claims that it targets Hamas and other militants and that they often plan attacks.
Israeli strikes on Monday killed at least five people in Gaza, including three in Khan Younis in the south and two in an apartment in Gaza City, health officials said.
The Israeli army said it targeted a Hamas officer in the Gaza City attack and a militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Khan Younis attacks.
Militants have launched armed attacks against Israeli troops in Gaza, and five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire.
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Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed.
