Hamas has announced plans to maintain “technical and professional staff” to ensure continuity of services for Gaza’s civilian population amid ongoing discussions about a broader peace plan for the region. This move comes as part of a complex negotiation process involving the Board of Peace (BoP), international mediators, and regional stakeholders seeking to address governance and stability in the Gaza Strip.

Nickolay Mladenov, director-general of the BoP, emphasized the critical role of a roadmap he unveiled in May for implementing a Gaza peace plan. In a recent statement on social media, Mladenov described the roadmap as a necessary “bridge between declarations and implementation.” He underscored that reaching swift agreement on outstanding provisions would facilitate the transfer of responsibilities to the National Civilian Administration Government (NCAG), enabling steps such as the decommissioning of weapons, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and commencement of large-scale reconstruction.

Despite these efforts, negotiations between Hamas and the BoP remain stalled. Diplomatic sources indicated a proposal to establish a temporary residential caravan site in Gaza by winter. The initiative aims to provide Gazans with hope for improved living conditions without appearing to reward Hamas’s continued hold on power. However, Israeli officials have expressed skepticism, characterizing Hamas’s recent gestures as tactics designed to evade disarmament.

A senior Israeli official described Hamas’s announcements as a “bluff” intended to deflect pressure, pointing to a pattern of deception and delay employed by the group to maintain its military capabilities and political control. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed these concerns, asserting that Hamas seeks to emulate the “Hezbollah model” by ceding civilian municipal roles to a technocratic committee while retaining its armed wing’s dominance. Sa’ar emphasized that as long as Hamas keeps its weapons, any civilian government in Gaza would operate under its influence, perpetuating both internal oppression and hostility toward Israel.

Regional diplomatic activity is intensifying, with reports that Cairo will host talks within days involving Palestinian factions, including Hamas. It is unclear if Mladenov or U.S. officials participating under the BoP and international stabilization forces will attend. Their involvement reportedly depends on progress in negotiations, particularly Hamas’s response to recent proposals.

Amid discussions, there is speculation about potential Israeli expansion of control over parts of Gaza — possibly up to 70 to 80 percent — which would complicate the envisioned transition to governance under the technocratic committee. Questions persist over the practical implications of Hamas “dissolving” its government: whether this signals a genuine relinquishment of power or a strategic retreat akin to its prior underground operations in the West Bank. Critics suggest Hamas might simply rebrand without altering its underlying control.

The proposed arrangements align with key elements of the U.S.-formulated 20-point plan under President Donald Trump, which conditions progress on Hamas’s disarmament — a condition yet unmet. Observers note that while July has presented multiple opportunities for regional developments, including NATO meetings and shifting U.S. policy signals, the core challenge remains the group’s militarization and governance role.

The BoP continues to insist on disarmament as a prerequisite for reconstruction and improved civil administration in Gaza. Analysts draw comparisons with efforts to liberate Mosul from ISIS control, where removing armed groups facilitated civilian rebuilding. Whether similar outcomes can be achieved in Gaza depends on overcoming longstanding distrust and ensuring Hamas’s disengagement from both military and governmental functions.

For the two million Palestinians living under Hamas rule, the unfolding situation poses crucial questions about their prospects for basic civil rights, freedom of movement, and a future independent of armed factional dominance. As dialogue continues, international and regional actors remain focused on transforming commitments into tangible progress for Gaza’s stability and humanitarian relief.