The Islamist group Hamas currently governs nearly half of Gaza following a ceasefire negotiated by US President Donald Trump in October. The terms of the agreement stipulate that additional Israeli troop withdrawals are contingent upon Hamas relinquishing its weapons.
The 20-point strategy aimed at concluding the conflict is now in its second phase and proposes transferring governance of Gaza to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a Palestinian technocratic body under US oversight designed to exclude Hamas.
Hamas encourages cooperation from personnel
In a letter to its staff dated January 25 and obtained by Reuters, Gaza’s Hamas-led government requested its more than 40,000 civil servants and security personnel to collaborate with the NCAG while assuring them of efforts to incorporate them into the new government.
This integration would encompass the approximately 10,000-strong police force managed by Hamas, according to four individuals familiar with the situation, a detail that has not been reported previously. Many of these officers have been conducting patrols in Gaza as Hamas reinforces its authority in areas under its jurisdiction.
It remains unclear if Israel, which has staunchly opposed any involvement from Hamas in Gaza’s future, will accept the inclusion of civil and security personnel in the NCAG.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to a request for comments.
Significant obstacles persist
Hamas’ intentions regarding its police force and its personnel reveal substantial differences between Hamas and Israel, with US backing, as Trump advances his proposals.
Recently, Trump held a signing event to establish his “Board of Peace,” which aims to serve as a transitional administration responsible for laying the groundwork and coordinating funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. The framework includes a clause prohibiting “foreign terrorist organizations” from participating in governance.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated to Reuters that the group is ready to transfer governance to the 15-member NCAG and its chairman, Ali Shaath, without delay.
“We (have) full confidence that it will function in a manner that utilizes qualified personnel and respects the rights of everyone who served during the previous period,” Qassem remarked, referring to the inclusion of the 40,000 personnel.
The four sources indicated that Hamas is willing to allow the NCAG to reorganize ministries and retire some employees. They warned that mass layoffs could lead to chaos.
No face-to-face meeting has yet occurred between Hamas and NCAG Chair Shaath to discuss governance, a Hamas official reported. Shaath’s office did not respond to a comment request.
Another concern is whether Sami Nasman, the former Palestinian Authority general assigned to oversee security for the NCAG, will be able to function effectively, according to a Palestinian official.
Nasman, originally from Gaza, relocated to the occupied West Bank after Hamas ousted Palestinian Authority forces in the enclave in 2007 following a brief civil conflict. A Hamas court later sentenced him in absentia on charges of inciting chaos, which he denies.
Possibility of disarming
Trump’s administration is advocating for the immediate decommissioning of heavy weapons, with “personal arms to be registered and decommissioned by sector as (the) NCAG police gains the capacity to ensure personal security,” based on a document shared by the White House last week.
A US official reported on Tuesday that Hamas fighters would receive some form of amnesty.
The militant organization is still believed to possess rockets, with estimates in the hundreds. It is also believed to have thousands of light weapons, including rifles.
Sources indicated that Hamas has recently agreed to engage in disarmament discussions with other Palestinian factions and mediators. However, two Hamas officials told Reuters that neither Washington nor any mediators had yet provided the group with a detailed disarmament proposal.
A Palestinian official involved in the disarmament dialogue said the US has approached Hamas to explore potential disarmament mechanisms involving parties like Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
“Hamas has expressed the potential for neutralizing arms, achievable if a truce is established, and is prepared for a long-term ceasefire—lasting five years or more,” the official stated.
“However, Hamas firmly believes that a serious political negotiation process regarding Palestinian statehood must commence, placing weapons and fighters under the authority of the State of Palestine,” the official added.
Hamas is not the only armed militant group in the enclave. A source from a Gaza faction allied with Hamas indicated that other groups are also considering disarmament but have concerns about being left defenseless.
In statements to parliament on January 26, Netanyahu mentioned that the forthcoming phase of the Gaza agreement “is not about reconstruction.”
Instead, he asserted, “the next phase focuses on the demilitarization of the Strip and the disarmament of Hamas.”
