Hamas said on Sunday it would dissolve its government in Gaza once the U.S.-backed Palestinian technocratic leadership committee assumes control of the territory.
Hamas said it directed government agencies and institutions to “hand over all areas” to the new body during the transition period. The terrorist group did not provide a time frame for the change.
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If the Israel-Hamas peace deal holds, the Gaza Strip is expected to be led by a group of experts on a politically independent committee. It will be overseen by the Board of Peace, an international body to be led by President Donald Trump. The board’s members may be announced as early as this week.
A Hamas spokesperson called for the establishment of the Palestinian technocratic committee, just one aspect of the larger peace process, to speed up. Otherwise, war may break out again.
Renewed fighting is a likely possibility in light of Hamas’s refusal to disarm. Disarmament is required under Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
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Hamas is seemingly rebuilding its military capabilities, including its tunnel infrastructure damaged by Israeli airstrikes, and bringing in new cash that pays its fighters and hires new recruits. The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab and Israeli officials, reported on the new developments over the weekend.
Israel is prepared to force Hamas to disarm if the group doesn’t voluntarily relinquish its weapons. The Israeli military is considering a new ground operation in Gaza, according to the Wall Street Journal. First, Israel is waiting to see if any progress in the U.S.-backed peace process is made.
While a ceasefire agreement was struck in October, Israel and Hamas have traded fire based on allegations that the other side violated the ceasefire.
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Trump has repeatedly warned Hamas will face “hell” if it doesn’t disarm in accordance with his 20-point peace plan.
The start of the plan’s second phase has been stuck in limbo for weeks. It’s expected to commence once details about Gaza’s governance are hashed out by the warring sides and third-party mediators. One last deceased hostage remains in Gaza, keeping the ceasefire in its first phase for now.