Weekend reports indicated that Hamas may consider ending its administration in Gaza. Coverage has described this step as a possible handover of authority or a formal announcement to disband the current structure.

The US-backed Board of Peace noted the reported move regarding the so-called Emergency Committee in Gaza.

Hamas was never meant to govern Gaza. It seized control through a violent takeover in 2007 following elections the prior year.

The group had already taken Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit hostage in 2006, previewing the style of rule it would impose. Hamas governed the territory from 2007 onward, overseeing years of attacks and violations.

Global bodies and the United Nations provided funding for basic services, freeing Hamas resources for military preparations.

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Hamas authority was reinforced by outside support and earlier Israeli approaches that proved shortsighted.

Funds arrived from Qatar, where senior figures enjoyed comfortable conditions. Transfers passed through Israel under the rationale of containment, despite objections from some officials such as former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman.

Limiting Hamas administrative reach formed a key objective after the October 7, 2023 outbreak of conflict.

Israeli statements shifted from equating Hamas with ISIS and declaring its elimination to focusing mainly on degrading its operational strength.

The Trump administration entered office committed to securing hostage releases and achieved a ceasefire by mid-October 2025. The Board of Peace has since worked to establish fresh governing arrangements.

The Board emphasized that evaluations will rest on concrete steps rather than statements, stressing comprehensive measures for governance, security, and transition under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

It underlined the principle of single authority, law, and weapon, requiring all arms to fall under NCAG oversight per the Comprehensive Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

Questions persist over whether the Emergency Committee will truly step aside and how the NCAG will function. Some Israeli voices have shown limited interest in cooperation or rebuilding, instead discussing prolonged restrictions or population movement.

Such approaches risk leaving Hamas influence intact. Proposals for expanded Israeli control over large portions of Gaza diverge from the Trump framework and raise doubts about civilian access to normal conditions outside Hamas areas.

Should Hamas genuinely end its unlawful administration, its next moves remain unclear. It could retreat into covert activity similar to its West Bank presence or simply rebrand. Reports from Asharq Al-Awsat suggest the step could advance the Trump initiative.

July brings several regional developments, including NATO gatherings in Turkey, a presidential visit to Syria, a Lebanon ceasefire, and US-Iran discussions. Speculation surrounds further Gaza progress.

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Disarmament poses a major obstacle. Without an official government, locating interlocutors becomes difficult. Hamas may redirect talks to Cairo or Doha, while Egypt has voiced criticism of Israeli positions.

Israeli assessments remain cautious, with concerns that Hamas is not relinquishing weapons. Weekend reporting hinted at possible US policy adjustments.

The Board of Peace continues to insist on disarmament and intends to advance the Trump plan.

Hamas may claim dissolution to deflect pressure, allowing it to disclaim responsibility while retaining hidden influence.

The central issue is whether the Board and NCAG can establish zones free of Hamas control, begin reconstruction, and enable Gaza civilians to access basic rights outside current restrictions.

Long-term aims include removing Hamas from governance and collecting at least a portion of its weapons.

The campaign against ISIS that liberated Mosul offers a model: eliminate the armed group and allow residents to rebuild.

Significant obstacles remain. Recent statements appear designed to draw attention to Gaza. Hamas seeks to generate confusion over whether it will truly relinquish power it was never entitled to hold.