Despite recent announcements suggesting a transfer of authority, Hamas is not expected to relinquish its control over the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian officials familiar with the situation.
A senior Palestinian official based in Ramallah stated on Monday that Hamas has not ended its rule in Gaza. While the group declared the dissolution of its emergency committee, it immediately established another temporary governing body to oversee the territory, appointing a new leader to head it. The official emphasized that Hamas’s intentions are to retain both its military capabilities and governing authority.
“Hamas says it wants to hand over authority to a technocratic committee, but this appears to be a strategic move within ongoing Cairo negotiations to signal that they are not obstructing the process,” the official explained. “They aim to buy time, hoping that future developments, possibly related to evolving relations between Iran and the United States, may work in Gaza’s favor.”
A key issue remains the implementation of the principle of “one authority and one weapon.” The official stressed that Hamas’s weapons should be confiscated and turned over to recognized Palestinian institutions to ensure a unified security framework in Gaza. However, Hamas reportedly seeks to incorporate its police officers and security personnel into the new police force, allowing its members to carry weapons under the guise of legality while maintaining operational control.
Another Palestinian source noted that the resignation of certain heads within Hamas’s governmental committee should not be interpreted as the collapse of its governance in Gaza. According to this source, Hamas uses such gestures to project willingness to cede power but ultimately aims to shift responsibility for Gaza’s administration onto mediators and Israel.
The source further highlighted that Hamas is attempting to secure financial support by aligning itself with the technocratic committee, which enjoys broader recognition and legitimacy. “Hamas cannot receive funding or international backing due to its lack of legitimacy, but this new arrangement helps it rebuild infrastructure and strengthen its position,” the source said.
Additionally, Hamas reportedly demands that many of its civil servants and personnel be integrated into the technocratic committee’s institutions, serving as its eyes and maintaining influence within the new administrative framework. “Hamas cannot relinquish its employees because they enable the organization to continue operating and playing a significant role,” the source added.
These developments underscore ongoing complexities in efforts to establish cohesive governance in Gaza, with Hamas seeking to manage its political and military interests amid broader regional and international negotiations.