Ready for Change: Hamas Explores Power Transition in Gaza
Hamas Prepares for Transfer of Power in Gaza: Report - Hamas Prepared to Transfer Control in Gaza Region
In a surprising turn of events, Hamas is expressing readiness to pass the baton to another Palestinian governing body in the Gaza Strip. According to a recent report, the Islamic organization has indicated a willingness to transfer governance to a Palestinian Authority similar to the one ruling the West Bank, or possibly a newly-established entity. However, a consensus at the national and regional levels must first be reached regarding the future administration.
The Gaza Strip has been under Hamas' control since 2007. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already dismissed the possibility of the Palestinian Authority's involvement in a future Gaza government.
Ceasefire negotiations take a new turn
Peace mediators in the indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas over a new ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip have tabled a fresh proposal. The draft, drawn up by Egypt and Qatar, envisions a 5 to 7-year ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. This draft was reported by a Palestinian official involved in the negotiations.
Last week, Hamas declined an Israeli offer for a 45-day truce in exchange for the release of ten hostages because it did not ensure the cessation of hostilities [4]. The last truce came to an end last month when Israel and Hamas failed to agree on the terms for the next phase, prompting Israeli forces to resume attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Protests and warnings abroad
Amid international solidarity protests planned for today in support of the Palestinians, Israel's National Security Council has urged caution for Israeli citizens abroad. "These demonstrations, which could escalate into violence targeting Israelis, pose a risk," warned the council. There remains a concern that extremist groups or lone wolves might exploit the protests as an opportunity for attacks [3]. Israelis abroad are advised to avoid demonstrations, refrain from displaying Israeli symbols publicly, and comply with the instructions of local security forces.
Netanyahu faces internal criticism
Ronen Bar, the Israeli internal security chief, has levied serious accusations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the midst of the conflict, as reported by the "Times of Israel." Netanyahu allegedly demanded personal loyalty from Bar, and an insistence on obeying Netanyahu rather than the Supreme Court in the event of a constitutional crisis [6].
Interestingly, Bar has refuted Netanyahu's claim that he knew of the impending Hamas attack prior to the October 2023 massacre, and failed to alert the Prime Minister in time. According to Bar's sworn statement, the Prime Minister's accusations are false [6]. Bar was dismissed from his post a month ago, but the Supreme Court later reinstated him.
Death in the West Bank
Tragically, a 48-year-old Palestinian man is reported to have passed away due to asphyxiation caused by Israeli tear gas in the northern West Bank. Initially, it was reported that Israeli settlers set fire to his courtyard, which the Palestinian came to extinguish. Israeli soldiers are said to have then deployed tear gas against him [7]. However, these accounts could not be independently verified at first. The Israeli army stated that Palestinians threw stones during protests, while Israeli settlers torched several buildings, tires, and trees in the area [7]. The Israeli military did not initially acknowledge the use of tear gas or the possible fatality.
Insights:
- The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip due to ongoing conflict and displacement has left little attention for political transitions at this stage.
- The future of the Gaza Strip's governance is uncertain, with ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the need for consensus at the national and regional level.
- The potential power transfer from Hamas to another Palestinian authority is contingent on a stable governance framework and a shift toward peace.
- The conflict between Israel and Hamas has elicited a call for international involvement in multilateral dialogues to address Gaza's reconstruction challenges.
- The current ceasefire, which started on January 19, 2025, and collapsed on March 18, 2025, due to Israeli attacks on Gaza, complicates the chances of any power transition.
- Israeli control over a significant portion of Gaza's territory and the division of the coastal strip further complicate the governance structure.
- The Parliament resolution on the Commission communication on the European Union's relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, including Gaza, may need to address the ongoing power transition discussions in Gaza.
- Despite Hamas' readiness to agree on a power transition in Gaza, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not shown a willingness to engage with the Palestinian Authority in the prospective Gaza government.
- As the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas progress, the proposed Egyptian-Qatari draft includes provisions for a 5 to 7-year ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and hostage exchanges, as per a Palestinian official involved in the talks.
- In midst of the international solidarity protests for the Palestinians, there have been warnings about potential violence targeting Israelis during the demonstrations, urged by the Israeli National Security Council.
- Amid the ongoing conflict, the death of a 48-year-old Palestinian man due to asphyxiation caused by Israeli tear gas in the West Bank has sparked investigations and human rights concerns.
