Officials from the militant organization Hamas have confirmed the move, which was agreed earlier this year in a peace deal with Israel. Hamas, classified as a terrorist group by multiple countries, has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years since the last regional elections in 2006.

Ismail al-Thawabta, a Hamas media spokesman, told AFP that Mohammed al-Farra, head of the government's emergency committee, has resigned and dissolved the committee to facilitate the transition to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The NCAG was established by US President Donald Trump as part of the peace deal signed last year.

No immediate details were provided on when and how the handover would take place. Israel has reportedly blocked NCAG members from entering Gaza for months. The Israeli regime and Hamas remain at odds over key issues, including the complete disarmament of the militant group and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.

The Israeli regime has also been accused of blocking the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza due to these sticking points. The Gaza Strip is considered occupied under international law, as Israel continues to control all borders, and Israeli soldiers have been present since the ground invasion following the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Source: www.dw.com