Hamas demands Rafah border fully reopen as administrative transfer finalized
Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip | Web Desk – Hamas has announced that it is ready to transfer full administrative control of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic committee, while urging the Rafah border crossing to be fully reopened in the coming days.
Spokesperson Hazem Qassem confirmed that all arrangements for the handover are complete, files prepared, and committees formed to manage the transfer of powers across key sectors. The 15-member National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG) was established under the US-supervised ceasefire agreement effective October 10, 2025 and will manage daily civil affairs under a high supervisory board chaired by former US President Donald Trump.
The committee’s head, former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shath, is expected to enter Gaza once the Rafah crossing is fully operational. Hamas stressed that the border must be opened freely in both directions without Israeli restrictions, emphasizing their readiness to fully implement the ceasefire and engage in negotiations on the next phase of agreements.
The Rafah border has been closed since May 2024, except for a brief opening in early 2025. Hamas reiterated its commitment to ensuring smooth governance and cooperation with international stakeholders.
