Early this week, Hamas, the militant group which controls the Gaza Strip, announced that it would dissolve its government and hand over administrative authority after almost two decades in power.
The group said the move is intended to pave the way for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which is set to take over civilian administration as part of the US-brokered peace plan from October 2025.
However, it remains controversial whether the announcement actually marks a political turning point or is primarily symbolic. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar immediately reacted with skepticism, stating that as long as Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Germany, the European Union, the US, and other countries, retains its weapons, any civilian government will ultimately act according to Hamas's directives.
Saar also reiterated that the complete disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip remain prerequisites for political reorganization.After rising to power in Gaza in 2007, Hamas announced to hand over power after almost 20 yearsImage: Jehad Alshrafi/AP Photo/dpa/picture alliance
Neither symbolism nor a relinquishment of power
