Hamas Open to Transferring Gaza Control to Palestinian Authority Post-War: Report

The PA, recognized worldwide as the Palestinian government, administers parts of the West Bank according to the 1993 Oslo Accords. Its primary office is situated in Ramallah, West Bank. The West Bank and Gaza jointly form the proposed Palestinian state.

Context of the Development

This incident comes amid a contentious proposal from US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the United States would take charge of Gaza, displace its Palestinian residents, and resettle them in neighboring Arab nations.

Hamas Under Pressure to Relinquish Power

As reported by Sky News Arabia, sources suggest that Hamas is prepared to hand over governance of Gaza to the PA, representing a notable shift from its long-standing control since 2007. Hamas took control of Gaza after defeating its rival Palestinian faction, Fatah, during an internal conflict. Despite the ongoing conflict with Israel, Hamas continues to oversee Gaza’s administration, including its police force, healthcare systems, and public infrastructure, since no alternative governing body has been established.

The report indicates that Hamas’s decision was influenced by significant pressure from Egypt.

Key Conditions Set by Hamas

Sky News Arabia referenced sources that state Hamas has one major condition: existing employees in Gaza must either be integrated into the new administration or retired with guaranteed salaries. The report also mentioned that “Hamas’ consent to transfer the governance of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority came after considerable Egyptian pressure on the movement’s delegation that visited Cairo. ”

Israel Opposes PA’s Role in Gaza

Even though the PA is recognized globally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outright rejected the idea of PA control in Gaza. In a discussion with Channel 14, he labeled the PA as “terrible” and suggested that US oversight would be a preferable option.

Referring to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, commonly known as Abu Mazen, Netanyahu remarked, “And now you must decide – let’s say you must choose between Abu Mazen and the PA in Gaza, which is what I kept hearing implied in various ways: ‘Abu Mazen and the PA will come and provide us with a new Gaza. ’ Seriously, what are you saying? After all, they were in charge, and we witnessed the outcome. And we observe how they educate their children. So now the president of the United States says – I’m prepared to offer an alternative – and even take responsibility for Gaza. What do you prefer, Abu Mazen or the U. S. in that role? ”