Full Breakdown
Hamas to Dissolve Gaza Government Under U.S.-Backed Peace Plan
1/12/2026, 8:57:46 PM
Transition to Technocratic Leadership
Hamas has announced its intention to dissolve its existing government in Gaza once a new Palestinian technocratic leadership committee takes control, as stipulated in a U.S.-brokered peace plan. The group has not provided a specific timeline for this transition. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem emphasized the need to expedite the establishment of this committee, which is expected to be politically unaffiliated and will oversee Gaza's governance under the supervision of an international body known as the "Board of Peace," led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Role of the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace is tasked with overseeing various aspects of the ceasefire that began on October 10, including the disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international security force, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The board's membership has yet to be announced, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov will serve as its director-general. Mladenov previously held positions as the U.N. envoy to Iraq and the U.N. Mideast peace envoy, where he developed good relations with Israel.
Ongoing Violence and Ceasefire Violations
Despite the ceasefire, violence continues in Gaza. Reports indicate that Israeli military actions have resulted in casualties, with claims from both sides of ceasefire violations. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 440 fatalities since the ceasefire was enacted. Israeli military officials stated that their actions are responses to threats posed by individuals approaching their troops, whom they labeled as "terrorists."
Criticism and Opposition
While Hamas has expressed readiness to cede power, concerns remain regarding its military capabilities. Reports suggest that Hamas is rebuilding its military infrastructure, raising fears of renewed conflict if disarmament does not occur. Critics argue that the peace process is fragile, with both Hamas and Israel accusing each other of undermining the ceasefire.
Official Statements and Responses
Kassem's call for a swift formation of the technocratic committee aligns with ongoing discussions among Palestinian factions, facilitated by Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators. An Egyptian official indicated that Hamas will meet with other factions this week to finalize the committee's formation. Meanwhile, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has expressed Japan's willingness to play an active role in the ceasefire process.
What's Next
The upcoming week is critical as the Board of Peace's membership is expected to be announced, potentially paving the way for the second phase of the peace plan. This phase will involve further negotiations on the governance of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the deployment of an international security force. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for renewed violence if progress is not made.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Discrepancies exist regarding the effectiveness of the ceasefire, with both Hamas and Israel accusing each other of violations. Additionally, the specifics of the technocratic committee's membership remain unclear, as neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority has finalized the list of candidates, raising questions about the committee's acceptance by Israel and the U.S.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This decision is clear and final, and there are also instructions to facilitate the success of this Palestinian agency’s work, in line with the higher national interest and in keeping with the plan to end the war on the Gaza Strip,” — Hazem Kassem, Hamas Spokesperson
- “Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip must be demilitarized in accordance with the 20-point plan of US President Donald Trump.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
