GAZA CITY: Hamas is preparing to dissolve the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, officials from the group said Monday, clearing the way for a Palestinian technocratic committee to implement civilian rule.
The move marks a significant political shift by militant group Hamas, which has run Gaza since its fighters seized control from rival Palestinian movement Fatah in 2007.
Since a ceasefire took effect in Gaza last October between Hamas and Israel, the group has repeatedly said it is prepared to step aside from day-to-day governance, but the thorny issue of its disarmament remains unresolved.
“The movement has decided to dissolve the Gaza government committee and to appoint a nationally accepted figure to oversee the committee’s work until the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza formally assumes its responsibilities,” a Hamas official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk publicly on the matter.
Hamas’s media office in Gaza said it would hold “an important press conference” later on Monday, without providing details.
