Hamas on Monday announced the dissolution of the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades as the militant group prepares to hand over power to a technocratic committee backed by President Donald Trump.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.The Hamas government announced the resignation of its “Emergency Committee,” which has overseen the enclave since October 2023, and expressed “full readiness” to transfer authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.The NCAG, which describes itself as a “transitional, technocratic, and apolitical Palestinian committee” on its website, was established in January under Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” Trump’s plan, which outlined that the committee governing Gaza would be overseen by the president’s “Board of Peace,” was signed off in October by Israel and Hamas.
A meeting of the board was held last month in Cyprus to discuss peace efforts in the enclave.In a statement Monday, the Board of Peace, of which Trump is the chair, said it had “taken note of the announcement,” but that ultimately its “assessment will be guided by actions, not promises, to meet the critical needs of the people of Gaza.” That would mean having “one authority, one law and one weapon” in Gaza, or one ruling body enforcing one law and with a single armed force operating under that body, according to the statement.Hamas’ announcement is seen as being largely symbolic, observers say, and makes no mention of the group’s disarmament — a key requirement by Israel in order for a lasting peace deal to proceed.
Palestinian official Ali Shaath, who is leading the NCAG, said in a statement Monday following Hamas’ announcement that the committee was “fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available.” Hamas militants durin...