Hamas backs transfer of Gaza governance, urges full reopening of Rafah Crossing

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has announced that it is prepared to hand over administrative responsibilities in Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic committee, while at the same time urging the full reopening of the Rafah border crossing in the coming days.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said that all arrangements for the transfer of authority in Gaza have been completed.

He stated that relevant files are ready and committees have already been formed to oversee the transfer of powers across various sectors.

According to him, full civilian administration in Gaza will be entrusted to the technocratic committee.

The 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) was established under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on 10 October 2025.

The committee will manage Gaza’s day-to-day administrative affairs in the post-war period and will operate under a higher supervisory board, to be chaired by US President Donald Trump.

It was stated that the committee’s head, and former deputy minister of the Palestinian Authority, Ali Shaath, will enter Gaza once the Rafah crossing is reopened.

Hamas has demanded that the Rafah border be fully opened in both directions, without Israeli restrictions.

It is worth noting that the Rafah crossing has remained closed since May 2024, except for a brief and limited reopening in early 2025. Hamas said it is fully committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement and is ready to engage in discussions on all points of its second phase.