Hamas denies refusing to hand over Gaza governance

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem on Tuesday rejected allegations that the group is refusing to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip. He described claims by the Board of Peace as "misleading lies" intended to justify continued Israeli aggression.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Qassem reiterated Hamas' full readiness to transfer all governing responsibilities — including security matters — to the National Committee for Gaza Administration based in Cairo, stating that this arrangement had been agreed upon by all parties. He emphasized that the group harbors no intention of obstructing the transitional process.

Obstacles to transition

Qassem identified Israel and Nikolay Mladenov, executive director of the Board of Peace, as the primary obstacles to the committee's work, accusing them of linking all negotiation tracks to a single issue in a manner that diverges from US President Donald Trump's vision for peace in Gaza. He also charged the Board of Peace with failing to pressure Israel sufficiently to allow the committee to enter the territory or provide necessary operational resources.

Transitional framework and ceasefire talks

The White House announced on January 16 the adoption of transitional governance structures for Gaza, including the Board of Peace, the National Committee for Gaza Administration and the International Stabilization Force. Qassem's remarks come amid difficulties in advancing to the second phase of an agreement that took effect on October 10, as Hamas accuses Israel of escalating field violations and breaching the accord.