Hamas announced on Monday it was dissolving its government in Gaza, technically freeing the territory from its control for the first time in 20 years, in what appeared to be a largely symbolic move.
Hamas's Governmental Emergency Committee, the body responsible for civilian administration in the Strip, confirmed the resignation of its members, saying the move came in response to the "higher interests" of Gazans amid "the continuing war, blockade, delayed reconstruction and Israel's refusal to withdraw".
In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, the committee called on mediators to press for the US-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to enter the Strip immediately and begin carrying out its duties, "thereby strengthening the resilience of our people and helping to heal their wounds".
An anonymous Hamas official told AFP that the terror group "decided to dissolve the Gaza government committee and to appoint a nationally accepted figure to oversee the committee's work until the NCAG formally assumes its responsibilities".
However, the committee's statement said that all current employees of Hamas' "civilian" apparatus would continue to serve under the NCAG.
An Israeli official told the Kan public broadcaster that the purported resignations, while all of the committee members remain in office, was "a spin that means absolutely nothing".
The official added: "Hamas fears it will be found to be in violation of the agreement, so it is buying time and engaging in spin."
Under the second phase of US President Trump's 20-point peace plan, Hamas is to cede power, and Gaza is to be deradicalised and disarmed, with the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force to parts of the Strip currently held by the Israeli military.
Meanwhile, the NCAG would be responsible for restoring public services, managing infrastructure projects, and overseeing civil institutions.
But top Hamas leaders, including Khaled Mashaal and Musa Abu Marzouk, have rejected key parts of the second phase in recent months, including disarmament, despite having agreed to the proposal in October.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said last week that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a military threat to Israel, while acknowledging that Hamas' civilian rule has yet to be dismantled.
“A few days ago, we eliminated one of the last remaining [senior Hamas leaders], Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who was their military commander and one of the architects of the terrible [October 7, 2023], massacre,” he told Channel 14. “What was the response? Nothing. Zero. Not a single bullet, because we are in control.”
However, the premier noted, “We also had a third objective, and that objective has not yet been achieved: to eliminate their civilian rule.” He added: “We will get there. There is still work to do.”
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