Israeli and German Foreign Ministers Criticize Hamas Move to Shift Gaza Governance

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, sharply criticized Hamas's recent announcement to transfer Gaza's administration to a national committee. Sa'ar described the move as a "Hezbollah model" tactic designed to evade disarmament commitments outlined in the Trump peace plan. He emphasized that Hamas intends to maintain control over Gaza while suppressing Palestinians and continuing its jihad against Israel.

Sa'ar explained that Hamas's declaration of forming a technocratic government is a facade to avoid disarming, allowing others to manage municipal services while Hamas retains military power. He reiterated Israel's commitment to fully implementing the Trump plan, which centers on Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza disarming and the complete demilitarization of the Strip.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul supported Sa'ar's stance, calling for Hamas's disarmament and urging all signatories of the peace agreement to use their influence to ensure Hamas relinquishes control. He stressed the importance of granting Palestinians freedom and preventing Hamas from rearming.

Hamas announced its resignation and the transfer of Gaza's management to a national committee as a step toward establishing a technocratic government. However, the actual power structure is expected to remain unchanged, with Hamas members continuing to hold key positions during the transition. The interim government will be led by Abdel Hadi al-Agha, a Hamas-affiliated former director of the Waqf and Holy Sites Authority.

This development has been widely viewed as a superficial change, with Hamas maintaining de facto control over Gaza despite the official reshuffle. Both Israeli and German officials reject the move as a tactic to avoid disarmament and continue Hamas's militant activities.