Gaza Herald – Hamas announced on Monday that it had finalized all governmental and administrative arrangements to transfer authority in Gaza to the National Committee for the Management of the Strip. The move marked a major step toward restoring civil governance after years of conflict and siege.
The spokesman for Hamas, Hazem Qassem, told Anadolu Agency that all procedures within Gaza’s governmental bodies were completed, ensuring the committee would assume full control over civil administration and public services. The handover was planned to be conducted transparently and across all sectors immediately upon the committee’s arrival in Gaza.
The National Committee, comprising 11 independent Palestinian figures and headed by Ali Shaath, began operations from Cairo in mid-January. Its mandate covers daily governance tasks, including management of public institutions, civil services, and humanitarian coordination for the 2.4 million residents of Gaza.
Qassem added that a supervisory council, including Palestinian factions, clan leaders, civil society figures, and representatives of international organizations, would oversee the transition to guarantee a smooth and accountable transfer of authority. The handover is seen as a key step toward beginning Gaza’s recovery after two years of war and devastation.
Israeli officials reportedly confirmed that members of the committee would be allowed to enter Gaza via Rafah crossing in the coming days, describing it as a “goodwill gesture” toward the US administration. However, logistical challenges remain, including the lack of a dedicated operational headquarters and the absence of budgetary allocations to fund the committee’s work upon arrival.
