On Monday, Gaza’s Government Media Office issued a statement confirming the resignation of Mohammed Jawad al-Farra, head of the emergency government committee and acting head of governmental follow-up, and the official dissolution of the committee. The move aims to demonstrate seriousness and facilitate the administrative transition to the National Committee for Gaza Management.
During a press conference outside Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the media office spokesperson highlighted that all administrative and legal arrangements for the handover had been completed. These steps were presented transparently to Palestinian factions, tribal leaders, civil society institutions, and an observer representing the United Nations.
The statement clarified that remaining government employees are technical and professional staff only, who will continue in their roles to prevent any administrative vacuum that could harm public services. They are described as “state employees” ready to work under the new committee’s directives, in line with the Cairo roadmap.
The office urged all parties to expedite the entry of the National Committee into Gaza to immediately assume its duties, aiming to alleviate worsening humanitarian suffering caused by war, delayed reconstruction, and ongoing blockade.
Government Media Office director Ismail Thawabteh told Al Jazeera that conditions are now fully prepared for the entry of the “technocratic committee.” He noted that Interior Ministry staff and police forces will continue their work to maintain order and security during the transition.
Hamas’s Position
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told Al Jazeera that the movement will not be part of any arrangements for Gaza’s “day after” governance. He stressed that responsibility now lies with the U.S. administration and Sharm el-Sheikh mediators to pressure Israel to halt aggression and allow the committee’s entry.
Qassem explained that Hamas has completed all legal, logistical, and professional preparations to hand over governance files, including security, to the agreed National Committee. He argued this step removes Israeli pretexts and places responsibility on the international community and guarantor states to ensure the committee’s access.
He rejected claims by Israel’s broadcasting authority that the resignation was “deceptive” and merely symbolic, calling it a cover-up for over 5,000 Israeli ceasefire violations. He criticized the UN Peace Council and envoy Nikolay Mladenov for failing to identify the true violator of agreements.
Tribal Statement
The National Assembly of Palestinian tribes and clans issued a statement urging unity and support for national consensus among factions and communities. They called on mediators and guarantors, including the UN envoy, to pressure Israel to open crossings and allow humanitarian aid. The statement emphasized the urgent need for the National Committee to begin its duties to ease the humanitarian crisis.
Tribal leaders also urged employees to remain steadfast in their positions and continue providing essential services, ensuring resilience and preventing administrative gaps during this critical phase.
Committee Readiness
Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for Gaza Management, declared the committee ready to assume national responsibilities once resources are available. He stressed that success depends on “one authority, one law, and one weapon” under unified control. Shaath emphasized the need for a supportive political, administrative, and security environment to serve Gaza’s population.
Peace Council’s View
The Gaza Peace Council acknowledged the dissolution announcement, stating its evaluation is based on actions rather than promises. It reiterated that the next phase must be built on unified authority and arms under the National Committee. Council representative Nikolay Mladenov said the announcement highlights the importance of finalizing roadmap negotiations quickly, enabling the committee to act sooner. He noted that swift agreement would accelerate disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction.
Israeli Reaction
Middle East policy expert Mahjoub Zweiri said the move shocked Israel, removing excuses it used regarding aid and governance in Gaza. He argued it places responsibility on the international community to ensure security, aid, and open crossings, pressing the Peace Council to act fully. Zweiri added that shifting power from Hamas to broader Palestinian forces will have internal consequences.
First of Its Kind
This announcement marks the first official and final step of its kind, surpassing earlier attempts such as February 2026. Al Jazeera correspondent Ashraf Abu Amra reported that factions moved from political statements to practical steps, deliberately creating an administrative vacuum to be filled immediately by the National Committee.
Abu Amra quoted Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem at the press conference, confirming Hamas’s decision not to manage civil and relief affairs in Gaza. He said the movement seeks no administrative role in the “day after” phase, instead leaving space for independent technocrats to handle civilian and humanitarian files amid unprecedented crisis.
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