Hamas on Thursday signalled its readiness to relinquish administrative control of the Gaza Strip to a US-backed technocratic committee, describing the move as essential to sustaining the ceasefire and avoiding a return to fighting.
The proposal centres on a 15-member committee announced by Egypt, which has been mediating indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel. The panel will function under the supervision of a newly proposed “Board of Peace", to be chaired by US President Donald Trump.
Welcoming the development, senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim said the initiative could stabilise the fragile truce and open the door for Gaza’s recovery.
“The formation of the committee is a step in the right direction," Naim said. “This is crucial for consolidating the ceasefire, preventing a return to war, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and preparing for comprehensive reconstruction."
Hamas steps back from governance
Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007, overseeing public administration, security and civil services. In recent months, however, it has repeatedly indicated that it does not seek a future governing role once the conflict ends.
According to Naim, Hamas intends to limit its involvement to monitoring the committee’s work rather than exercising direct authority. He said the group would cooperate fully with the new mechanism and ensure a smooth handover of administrative responsibilities.
“Hamas will facilitate the committee’s work and hand over administration smoothly," he said.
Naim also placed responsibility on international stakeholders to ensure the plan moves forward, calling on mediators and Washington to counter any obstruction.
“The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee," he said, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to “stall or obstruct" subsequent phases of the ceasefire.
Ceasefire enters second phase
The truce, which came into effect on October 10, has already altered the security landscape inside Gaza. The territory has been split by a so-called “Yellow Line", separating zones still under Hamas influence from areas controlled by Israeli forces.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the ceasefire has now entered its second stage, marking a transition from an immediate halt in hostilities to longer-term political and security arrangements.
This phase includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, steps toward the demilitarisation of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and measures aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis. Accelerated aid deliveries and the early stages of reconstruction are expected to be key priorities.
Oversight and international role
The proposed Board of Peace is expected to play a central role in coordinating these efforts. On the ground, the initiative will reportedly be led by Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat who previously served as the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process.
Trump is expected to announce the 15 members of the board in the coming days. The group is likely to include international leaders and senior figures tasked with supervising Gaza’s recovery, ensuring aid flows, and preventing a renewed cycle of violence.
If implemented, the arrangement would mark a significant shift in Gaza’s governance structure. Whether the technocratic committee can function effectively amid deep mistrust, unresolved security questions and political opposition on both sides remains an open question. But Hamas’s public endorsement has added fresh momentum to efforts aimed at turning the ceasefire into a more durable settlement.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
