Hamas says ‘ready to relinquish power’ in Gaza, with conditions

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement is willing to step aside from governing the war-torn Gaza Strip, provided that a technocratic government is formed to manage the coastal enclave’s affairs, according to an official at the movement. 

Speaking to The New Arab, Abdul Latif al-Qanoua, Hamas’s spokesperson, said that Hamas does not oppose the establishment of a committee to oversee Gaza’s administration. 

However, he emphasised that Hamas must approve the committee’s members and its mandate, further stating that the notion of Hamas completely withdrawing from governance is “inaccurate.”

“Hamas prefers the formation of a national unity government that includes all Palestinian factions without Hamas,” he added. “However, if such an arrangement proves unattainable, Hamas supports the creation of a ‘Community Support Committee’ to ensure the continued provision of essential services in Gaza.”

Will the PA return to Gaza?

A well-informed source revealed that Hamas has communicated to the Palestinian Authority (PA) its readiness to transfer governance in Gaza on the condition that the Hamas’s employees, appointed after the Islamic movement took over the strip in 2007, are retained in their positions and their salaries and rights are safeguarded.

According to a source close to Hamas, who prefer to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the topic, the issue of retaining employees remains one of the primary obstacles for a final agreement. 

Hamas insists that these approximately 40,000 employees, who form the backbone of Gaza‘s governmental institutions, including healthcare, education, and security, be integrated into the new administration’s structure without discrimination.

In that regard, the Islamic movement requested formal guarantees, either from the PA or through regional mediators, to ensure the continued payment of these employees’ salaries. 

Hamas fears a repeat of the 2017 reconciliation agreement, brokered by Egypt, which collapsed due to the PA’s failure to fulfil its commitments on salaries and administrative integration.

Another source within Hamas noted to TNA that Egypt and Qatar are currently playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between Hamas and the PA as intense negotiations are underway to establish a technocratic government capable of managing Gaza’s affairs while preventing a political or security vacuum.

Egypt, in particular, has reportedly conveyed to Hamas that any agreement must have the approval of the PA and international stakeholders to ensure its sustainability and to prevent further sanctions and restrictions on Gaza.

The future of armed resistance

Beyond the issue related to employees, another major point of contention remains security and the future of armed resistance in Gaza. 

While the PA demands complete control over Gaza’s security apparatus, Hamas firmly rejects any move that could lead to the dismantling of its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades.

Hamas’s spokesperson, al-Qanoua, further clarified that Hamas is open to cooperating with a new government regarding civilian and administrative affairs, but will not permit any interference in resistance activities.

“The resistance’s weapons are not up for negotiation. We are willing to work within a framework that ensures internal stability while respecting the sacrifices of our people,” al-Qanoua said. 

Al-Qanoua stressed that Hamas remains committed to facilitating any efforts aimed at achieving Palestinian reconciliation but insists on safeguarding the principles of resistance. 

“Any attempt to undermine the weapons of the resistance, the Al-Qassam Brigades, or other military wings is a red line that cannot be crossed,” he asserted.

These developments occur while Gaza faces escalating humanitarian and economic challenges due to the ongoing Israeli blockade and deteriorating living conditions after more than 15-months of an Israeli genocidal war. 

Analysts believe that mutual guarantees must be established for any agreement to succeed. These would include improving the economic situation in Gaza, easing restrictions on movement and trade, and finding a compromise on contentious issues such as the future of security forces and the resistance’s military capabilities.