Hamas Demands 10,000 of its Police Officers Join U.S.-Backed Gaza Administration
Hamas demands 10,000 of its security personnel join the new "technocratic" Gaza government, setting up a definitive clash with Israel. With the Rafah crossing at stake and the U.S. pushing for demilitarization, can a ceasefire survive Hamas’s refusal to let go of power?
Hamas is seeking to have approximately 10,000 of its police officers absorbed into a new U.S.-backed Palestinian administration for the Gaza Strip as part of ongoing ceasefire and postwar governance negotiations, according to sources cited in a Reuters report.
The proposal aims to fold Hamas-run security and civil personnel into the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a technocratic body intended to exclude Hamas from direct involvement.
This move sets up a potential clash with Israel, which has firmly rejected any role for Hamas in Gaza's future governance.
The dispute underscores key obstacles in the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, where the U.S. and Israel are advocating for Hamas to disarm and for Gaza to be demilitarized.
In response, Hamas has indicated it would only consider relinquishing its weapons if discussions begin on establishing a Palestinian state and securing a long-term ceasefire.
The proposal comes as Hamas seeks Turkish backing in the talks, highlighting efforts to maintain influence in postwar Gaza.
Earlier reports from October 2025 noted Hamas's intent to retain security control during an interim period, as stated by senior official Mohammed Nazzal.
This aligns with broader U.S. initiatives, including envoys discussing Gaza's future and plans for a technocratic administration.
The second phase of the ceasefire plan follows the completion of Phase 1, which included the recovery of the last Israeli captive's body (Master Sgt. Ran Gvili) yesterday, paving the way for reopening the Rafah border crossing. Israel had conditioned progress on this recovery, emphasizing its stance against Hamas involvement.