Hamas announces dissolution of Gaza governing body

The move marks a significant political shift by Hamas, which has run Gaza since its fighters seized control from rival Palestinian movement Fatah in 2007.

Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced on July 6 the dissolution of the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, clearing the way for a technocratic committee to implement civilian rule.

Officials for the militant organization have confirmed the move, which was agreed to earlier this year in a peace deal with Israel.

The Gaza Strip Administration Committee was established about six months ago, but Israeli authorities reportedly refused to allow its members to enter Gaza to begin their work.