GAZA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The 15-member transitional Palestinian technocratic committee for administering the Gaza Strip on Monday voiced readiness to govern the enclave after Hamas announced the dissolution of its administrative body in Gaza.
The committee is "fully prepared" to assume its responsibilities "as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available," Ali Shaath, head of the committee, said in a statement on social media.
Shaath noted the "fundamental requirements for the committee's success" as "a single authority, a single law with a clear mandate, and a single armed force under the authority of this single entity."
The statement came after Hamas' announcement earlier in the day of the dissolution of its Government Emergency Committee in Gaza and the transfer of the enclave's administration to the Palestinian technocratic committee.
Head of the Government Emergency Committee Mohammed al-Farra had officially submitted his resignation, Ismail Thawabta, director general of the Hamas-run media office in Gaza, said at a press conference in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Only technical and professional staff would remain in positions within the system to prevent an administrative and technical vacuum, in accordance with the roadmap agreed upon by Palestinian factions in Cairo, Thawabta said.
The step was taken "to alleviate the suffering of citizens resulting from the ongoing war ... the delay in reconstruction, the continued siege, the closure of crossings, and the failure of the Israeli army to withdraw," he said.
Thawabta urged all concerned parties to expedite the steps for the Palestinian technocratic committee to enter the strip and assume its administrative duties.
In a separate statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the move aims to eliminate pretexts for Israeli interference and reaffirmed the group's commitment to handing over all governing responsibilities in Gaza.
In mid-January, the United States announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, whereas the Palestinian technocratic committee was also established.
However, the committee has remained outside Gaza since its foundation, reportedly due to Israeli obstruction.
In mid-June, Palestinian factions met mediators in Cairo and submitted their response regarding a roadmap for the second phase.
The roadmap, presented by the U.S.-led "Board of Peace," outlines mechanisms for Gaza's future, including reconstruction, disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and deployment of an international peacekeeping force, among others. ■
