Gaza City, Palestinian Territories. Hamas said on Monday it had dissolved its de facto government in Gaza and was ready to hand over to a group of Palestinian technocrats under a U.S.-backed plan for the enclave. Israel dismissed the move as a “stunt” and said Hamas must still disarm.
Hamas announces government change
Hamas said its decision covered the body overseeing ministries in Gaza, which has run for more than a decade. The group described the move as a step forward in a plan for a civilian-ruled, post-war Gaza set out by U.S. President Donald Trump after the start of a fragile ceasefire with Israel in October.
Hamas said the ministries themselves would remain in place, along with the staff it had appointed. It added that it would continue to oversee security and policing in parts of Gaza that remain under its control following the U.S.-brokered truce.
U.S. board responds
The Trump-appointed Board of Peace, established to monitor the plan, said it had taken note of Hamas’ move. It said its assessment would depend on implementation.
“Ultimately, our assessment will be guided by actions, not promises, to meet the critical needs of the people of Gaza,” the board said.
Israel rejects the announcement
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Hamas’ announcement was intended to avoid disarmament. In a post on X, he said the group’s “apparent willingness to ‘make room’ for a technocratic government is designed to prevent its own disarmament”.
“As long as Hamas retains its weapons, any civilian government will of course operate as Hamas dictates,” Saar added. He said Israel insists on the full implementation of Trump’s plan, including Hamas laying down its weapons.
Disputes over the ceasefire
Hamas has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and failing to carry out other parts of the plan, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The enclave remains in ruins more than 2-1/2 years after the latest Gaza conflict was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, raids on Israel.
Hamas has said it will not disarm until Israel halts attacks in Gaza. Medics in the enclave said the latest attack killed five people on Monday. Israel has said its attacks in Gaza since the ceasefire have been aimed at preventing militant threats.
