Hamas Relinquishes Role in Post-War Gaza Governance While Maintaining Armed Presence

A temporary apolitical Palestinian committee will oversee daily public services management in Gaza.

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A source close to Hamas's negotiating team informed AFP on Sunday that Hamas will not be involved in Gaza's post-war governance, as global leaders prepare to gather in Egypt for a Gaza peace summit.

These comments emerge shortly after an Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect, while both parties discuss implementing US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the conflict, which requires Hamas to disarm and prohibits the group from participating in Gaza's post-war administration.

"For Hamas, governing the Gaza Strip is a closed matter. Hamas will not participate at all during the transitional phase, meaning it has relinquished control of the Strip, though it remains a fundamental component of the Palestinian fabric," the source told AFP, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

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Unlike other more hierarchical regional organizations, Hamas's leadership has previously been divided on critical issues, including Gaza's future administration.

However, there appears to be consensus among top members regarding disarmament, which the group has consistently described as a non-negotiable position.

"Hamas agrees to a long-term truce, and commits that its weapons will not be used during this period, except in response to an Israeli attack on Gaza," the source stated.

Another Hamas official, who also requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, had previously told AFP that Hamas's disarmament was "out of the question."

The first provision of Trump's 20-point plan calls for transforming Gaza into a "deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors."

The plan also specifies that Hamas will have no role in future governance of the Strip, and that its military infrastructure and weapons must be "destroyed and not rebuilt."

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Under Trump's proposal, a temporary technocratic and apolitical Palestinian committee would be responsible for managing day-to-day public services.

The source close to the negotiators revealed they had requested mediator Egypt to convene a meeting before the end of next week to finalize the composition of this committee, adding that "the names are almost ready."

"Hamas, along with other factions, have submitted 40 names. There is absolutely no veto over them, and none of them belong to Hamas," the source concluded.