Hamas Dissolves Gaza Governing Body, Transfers Power to UN-Backed Technocratic Committee

Hamas announced the dissolution of the Government Emergency Committee, the body that has run Gaza's civil affairs for nearly two decades. Mohammed al-Farra, the committee's head, submitted his resignation, and Hamas said it would transfer civilian administration to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), the technocratic body created under the US-backed Board of Peace plan and headed by Dr. Ali Sha'ath. Hamas said the move does not mean relinquishing its political or military role, only 'stepping back' from direct civilian government. Israel has not yet allowed NCAG members to enter Gaza.