Hamas Plans to Dissolve Gaza Government Body Ahead of New Management Committee

Two Hamas sources informed Al-Sharq Al-Awsat on February 16, 2025, that Hamas leadership intends to dissolve the "Committee for Monitoring Government Activity," which currently functions as Hamas's de facto government in the Gaza Strip. This move aims to pave the way for the "Gaza Management Committee," also known as the "Technocrats Committee," led by Ali Shata, to assume administrative control over Gaza. One source indicated the dissolution announcement could be made as soon as the next day, while another said the timing is imminent but unspecified.

Simultaneously, Hamas and other Palestinian factions are expected to hold a new round of talks in Cairo within two days to narrow differences related to the second phase of a fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The ceasefire, initially declared in October, has been strained by Israeli actions, including the killing of over 1,000 Palestinians and targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders, which Hamas accuses Israel of violating the multi-stage agreement.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are working to stabilize the ceasefire and advance its implementation phases to achieve calm in Gaza. Cairo will host meetings involving Palestinian factions, primarily Hamas, to discuss these issues. Additionally, Nikolay Mladenov, Gaza's representative to the UN Peace Council, reportedly traveled to Egypt to participate in discussions alongside American officials involved in the peace and stabilization efforts. However, his participation has not been independently confirmed, and his involvement depends on progress in negotiations following Hamas and factions' responses to updated proposals.