New twist to Gaza peace deal: Hamas wants role for its police ahead of disarmament talks

Hamas is pushing to have its roughly 10,000 police officers absorbed into a new US-backed Palestinian administration for Gaza, Reuters reported citing sources.

The move is likely to face stiff resistance from Israel, as the Gaza-based militant group debates whether to surrender its weapons.

Following an October ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, Hamas continues to control just under half of Gaza. Under the deal, further Israeli troop withdrawals are tied to Hamas giving up its arms.

Plan to transfer Gaza’s governance

The second phase of a 20-point plan to end the war envisages transferring Gaza’s governance to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a US-overseen Palestinian technocratic body designed to exclude Hamas from power.

Hamas urges cooperation with new body

In a letter to staff seen by Reuters on Sunday, Gaza’s Hamas-run government urged its more than 40,000 civil servants and security personnel to cooperate with the NCAG, while assuring them it was working to ensure their inclusion in the new administration.

That would include the Hamas-run police force of around 10,000 personnel, four sources familiar with the matter said—a demand not previously reported. Many of these officers have continued patrolling Gaza as Hamas reasserts control in areas under its authority.

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It remains unclear whether Israel, which has consistently rejected any Hamas involvement in Gaza’s future, would agree to the inclusion of civil and security workers linked to the group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Key disagreements remain

Hamas’ insistence on retaining its police force and workforce underscores the deep divisions between the group and Israel, backed by the US, even as Trump presses ahead with his plans.

Last week, Trump hosted a signing ceremony to establish a “Board of Peace,” envisioned as a transitional administration to coordinate funding and set the framework for Gaza’s redevelopment. The framework includes a provision barring “foreign terrorist organizations” from participating in governance.

Hamas signals readiness to hand over governance

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Reuters the group was prepared to hand over governance immediately to the 15-member NCAG and its chair, Ali Shaath.

“We have full confidence that it will operate on the basis of benefiting from qualified personnel and not wasting the rights of anyone who worked during the previous period,” Qassem said, referring to the 40,000 workers.

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Four sources said Hamas is open to the NCAG restructuring ministries and retiring some employees, warning that mass dismissals could lead to chaos.

Security leadership remains unresolved

Hamas and NCAG chair Shaath have yet to meet in person to discuss governance, a Hamas official said. Shaath’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Another unresolved issue is whether Sami Nasman, a former Palestinian Authority general appointed to oversee security under the NCAG, would be able to function effectively, a Palestinian official said.

Nasman, a Gaza native, moved to the occupied West Bank after Hamas expelled Palestinian Authority forces from Gaza in 2007 following a brief civil war. A Hamas court later sentenced him in absentia, accusing him of instigating chaos—an allegation he denies.