Hamas has announced that it is preparing to transfer authority to a new technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza. This development was reported by the organization’s official media outlet, SAFA, on Sunday. The initiative appears to be part of a broader peace strategy that includes the establishment of a “Board of Peace” to oversee governance in the region.
According to Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, all government agencies and institutions have been instructed to facilitate the handover process, aimed at ensuring the success of the new governing body. This move is said to align with the overarching Palestinian interest and is part of a plan initiated to halt conflict in Gaza, as agreed upon in the recent Sharm el-Sheikh accords.
The forthcoming Board of Peace, which will comprise members elected by the Palestinian populace and vetted by Israel, is expected to be officially announced shortly, potentially within this week. Reports indicate that former UN Envoy Nickolay Mladenov is set to lead this board, reinforcing international involvement in the peace process.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that any progress hinges on the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, referencing a comprehensive 20-point plan put forth by former US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu articulated these conditions in a recent meeting with Mladenov, who subsequently engaged with Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh to discuss the situation in Gaza and the implementation mechanisms for the proposed peace plan.
This shift indicates a significant moment in the ongoing quest for stability in Gaza, with the potential for a more organized and peaceful governance structure to emerge in the region, contingent upon cooperation from all involved parties. The initiative reflects a hopeful direction towards resolving long-standing tensions and enhancing humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly as aid continues to reach affected areas.