GAZA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Hamas announced Monday the dissolution of its Government Emergency Committee in Gaza and the transfer of the enclave's administration to the 15-member transitional Palestinian technocratic committee for administering the strip.
It said the move aims to "alleviate the suffering of citizens resulting from the ongoing war ... the delay in reconstruction, the continued siege, the closure of crossings, and the failure of the Israeli army to withdraw," as well as to eliminate pretexts for Israeli interference.
Later in the day, the Palestinian technocratic committee voiced readiness to govern the enclave, saying it is "fully prepared" to assume its responsibilities "as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available."
Palestinian factions welcomed the dissolution, calling it a sign of commitment to advancing Palestinian reconciliation.
In a joint statement, they also called on the international community to pressure Israel to let the Palestinian technocratic committee assume its duties and safeguard essential public services.
The development has been met with cautious optimism among Palestinians, who warned that its success hinges on the tangible implementation of the political understandings reached among Palestinian factions and mediators.
Many Gaza residents said the dissolution's true worth will ultimately be judged by whether it eases daily hardships.
Mahmoud al-Masri, a 47-year-old resident of Gaza City, told Xinhua the step "should have been taken during the early months of the war because the continued debate over who governs Gaza gave many parties justification to prolong the crisis."
Local residents are primarily concerned with ending the conflict, reopening border crossings, and launching reconstruction, he said, adding that any arrangement that advances those goals would be welcomed.
Ahmed Abu Awda, 39, of Khan Younis, called the dissolution "a positive step," but warned it risks being merely symbolic unless the Palestinian technocratic committee can operate effectively.
He said local residents are looking for tangible improvements, including better public services, restored state institutions and launched reconstruction, adding the humanitarian and economic crisis can brook no further delay.
Gaza-based Palestinian political analyst Ahed Ferwana told Xinhua the dissolution marks a key political step, sending a message to mediators that Hamas has heeded calls to decouple civil governance from political activities.
Still, the decision alone does not guarantee a successful transition, he said.
"The success of this process will depend on whether the committee is allowed to carry out its work, whether Palestinian consensus is maintained, whether Arab and international support is secured, and whether agreements are reached on security, administrative and financial issues," Ferwana said.
Its success, he added, depends not just on the Palestinian decision but on all parties' commitment to implementing the agreed arrangements.
In mid-January, the United States announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, whereas the Palestinian technocratic committee was also established.
However, the committee has remained outside Gaza since its foundation, reportedly due to Israeli obstruction. ■
