Hamas announced Monday it will dissolve its governing administration in the Gaza Strip and transfer authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body established under a United Nations Security Council resolution. The transition aims to fulfill requirements of the US-backed peace process, though the move faces immediate skepticism from Israeli officials who characterize the effort as an attempt to maintain military influence while offloading municipal responsibilities.
Why is Hamas dissolving its administration now?
Hamas leaders appear to be leveraging the transition to pressure the US administration and address international criticism regarding the group’s control over the territory. Ismail al-Thawabta, general director of the Government Media Office, stated on Monday that the move is intended to “bring an end to the aggression” and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. According to Muhammad Shehada, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, the announcement serves as a counter-narrative to Israeli claims that Hamas is merely stalling to regroup and reassert dominance.
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) was formed in January 2026 under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. It is currently headquartered in Cairo because it has not yet received permission from Israel to enter the Gaza Strip.
What is the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza?
The NCAG is a transitional body composed of non-partisan Palestinian technocrats, led by Acting Commissioner Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath. Its mandate focuses on restoring civilian infrastructure, including water, education, and healthcare services. While the committee is authorized to oversee a unified police force to maintain order, it currently lacks the physical access required to operate within the Strip.
Shaath noted in a statement on X that the committee is prepared to assume its duties, provided there is a “single governing authority” and a “unified security apparatus” accountable to that authority. The long-term plan, supported by the US-backed 20-point peace framework, envisions the Palestinian Authority eventually assuming control by 2027.
How has Israel responded to the announcement?
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the announcement, labeling it a “trick” designed to replicate the “Hezbollah model.” Saar argued that even if a technocratic body manages municipal services like garbage collection, Hamas would retain its status as the dominant military force. Israel continues to maintain that a prerequisite for the next phase of the peace process is the full disarmament of Hamas and the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
| Party | Position on NCAG Takeover |
|---|---|
| Hamas | Ready to transfer civilian power to fulfill ceasefire terms. |
| Israel | Views the move as a tactic; demands full disarmament first. |
| US Board of Peace | Acknowledges the move but requires “actions, not promises.” |
What are the primary obstacles to the peace process?
Negotiations remain stalled largely due to disagreements over the implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase. While Hamas demands that Israel fulfill the first phase—which includes withdrawing from the Strip and allowing the return of displaced persons—Israel claims it is prioritizing the targeting of militants. According to data provided by the Government Media Office, at least 73,098 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, with 1,005 deaths reported since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement.
Monitor the UN Security Council updates regarding Resolution 2803 for the most reliable information on the legal status of the NCAG and its operational mandate in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Hamas continue to hold weapons under the new administration?
Israel and the US maintain that disarmament is a core requirement for the peace process. Hamas has not explicitly agreed to disarm, though it claims it is ready to hand over security responsibilities to a new governing body.
Who is currently in charge of the NCAG?
The committee is led by Acting Commissioner Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath and reports to a High Commissioner on President Trump’s Board of Peace as well as the UN Security Council.
When will the Palestinian Authority take over?
Current projections under the US-backed peace plan suggest a transition to the Palestinian Authority is tentatively scheduled for 2027.
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