Hamas Dissolves Civilian Governing Body in Gaza After Two Decades Offering Power to UN-Backed Panel

Hamas confirmed Monday that Mohammed al-Farra, head of its Government Emergency Committee, resigned and dissolved that body, with the Government Media Office stating the move implements agreed arrangements and facilitates administrative transition 12. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP the group "will no longer be in charge of the Gaza Strip" and affirmed readiness to hand authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), while Government Media Office director Ismail al-Thawabta said only technical and professional staff would remain in their posts 13. NCAG head Ali Shaath said the committee, based in Cairo, is prepared to assume responsibilities once necessary resources and a single law and armed force are in place, and Board of Peace representative Nickolay Mladenov called the decision a bridge toward implementation 13. The Trump-chaired Board of Peace said it had "taken note" but would judge the move by "actions, not promises," and an unnamed Israeli official dismissed it as "spin," noting Hamas members retain their positions 23. Hamas's statement did not address disarmament or security handover, and the NCAG has yet to enter Gaza, reportedly due to Israeli objections 13.