Source: Hamas has relinquished control of Gaza and will not take part in the transitional phase

A senior Hamas source close to the negotiating delegation confirmed that the movement will not participate in governing the Gaza Strip during the transitional period following the war with Israel.

This statement represents an official acknowledgment that Hamas is stepping down from administering the territory it has controlled for nearly seventeen years.

Speaking to Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the source stated: “The issue of governing Gaza is settled for Hamas; the movement will not take part in the transitional phase at all.”

He added that “Hamas has relinquished control of the Gaza Strip but remains an essential component of the Palestinian national fabric.”

The same source said that “Hamas has agreed to a long-term truce, during which weapons will not be used under any circumstances — except in the event of Israeli aggression against Gaza.”

However, a senior Hamas official had previously told AFP that the group’s full disarmament “was not on the table.”

A “Peace Council” to oversee Gaza’s administration

In addition to a ceasefire and the release of hostages, the 20-point Trump plan stipulates that Gaza’s civil affairs will be managed by a Palestinian committee of technocrats under the supervision of a “Peace Council” chaired by Donald Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Hamas would have no role in governing the territory.

The source noted: “We have asked the Egyptian side to convene a meeting before the end of next week to finalize the administrative committee. The list of names is almost ready.”

He added that “Hamas, along with other Palestinian factions, has submitted forty names. None of them belong to Hamas, and no objections have been raised against any of the proposed candidates.”

This announcement comes only days after a ceasefire came into effect in Gaza, following months of devastating war that left tens of thousands dead and injured and caused massive destruction to infrastructure and residential areas.