Hamas to Dissolve Government Emergency Committee Ahead of Technocrats Transition

By Sapir Lipkin

Hamas' Government Media Office officially announced today (Monday) that its Government Emergency Committee will be dissolved, with its chairman resigning ahead of the supposed transfer of Gaza's administration to a technocrats committee.

In practice, however, the move is largely symbolic and exists only on paper. Hamas has no intention of relinquishing its control over the Gaza Strip, but it does have an interest in buying time, signaling flexibility to mediators, and projecting a willingness to move forward with the second phase of the agreement despite the current deadlock in negotiations.

Yesterday, sources in Gaza confirmed to N12, following a report by the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, that Hamas' leadership was preparing to announce the dissolution of the Committee for the Follow-Up of Government Activities, which serves as the organization's de facto government in Gaza. The move is intended as a symbolic gesture toward mediators.

In reality, with negotiations over the second phase at an impasse, the step is expected to serve primarily as a delaying tactic. No meaningful change is anticipated, and government ministries are expected to continue operating as before under Hamas' control.

Trump’s Peace Council Responds to Hamas: “We Want Actions, Not Promises”

The Peace Council responded to Hamas’ announcement that it is relinquishing civilian governance in Gaza:

“We have taken note of today’s statement regarding the dissolution of the ‘Emergency Committee’ in Gaza. Ultimately, our assessment will be based on actions rather than promises, in relation to addressing the essential needs of the people of Gaza.

The decisions must be comprehensive and meet the requirements outlined in the roadmap for advancing governance, security, and the political transition in Gaza. We look forward to the completion of discussions on this roadmap, including the implementation mechanisms required to enable the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to assume full governing authority.

The central principle remains unchanged: one authority, one law, and one weapon. This means consolidating all weapons under the control of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, as set out in the comprehensive peace plan for Gaza and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

A genuine transfer of authority must allow the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to exercise its mandate independently, including making the administrative and governing decisions entrusted to it.”

Report: Cairo Talks With U.S. Involvement Expected in Coming Days

Sources within Hamas and other Palestinian factions said new meetings are scheduled to take place in Cairo within the next two days. The talks aim to bridge the gaps preventing progress to the second phase of the fragile ceasefire agreement.

Nickolay Mladenov, Director General of the Peace Council and the official appointed to oversee implementation of the agreement, is also expected to attend the discussions in Egypt. According to the report, senior U.S. officials will participate alongside representatives of Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

The Government Emergency Committee functions as Hamas' executive and administrative arm in the Gaza Strip. It coordinates the activities of all government ministries, makes policy decisions, oversees tax collection, regulates prices, and manages civilian services throughout Gaza.

Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, the terror organization has established not only a military apparatus but also a full governing infrastructure, including ministries responsible for health, the economy, the interior, education, and other civilian sectors.