The Palestinian Hamas movement has completed all preparations for a complete transfer of power in the Gaza Strip and is ready to partially disarm, according to two officials of the group, The New York Times reports.
The only obstacle is the absence of a new administration in the strip itself—as it still operates from Cairo. A committee of specialists—the Technocratic Committee—for the management of Gaza was formed back on January 14, but its members are still in the Egyptian capital.
The sources emphasized that Hamas does not want to take a place in the new administration, but aims to continue its political activities in Palestine and continue to show resistance to Israel. This will last until the establishment of an independent state. All new appointments and official promotions within the movement are currently suspended pending the transfer of power.
As for disarmament, Hamas has expressed its willingness to hand over thousands of small arms belonging to the police and other security forces. However, officials have not given any clear answer regarding the disarmament of the movement’s military wing.
In late March, Reuters reported that the “Board of Peace” had presented Hamas with an eight-month plan for disarmament in the region, which also includes the destruction of a network of underground tunnels.
