Hamas secretly shapes postwar Gaza government with mediators’ knowledge, report says

Hamas has quietly taken part in forming the proposed technocratic government that would govern the Gaza Strip after the war, public broadcaster Kan reported on Tuesday.

The report, citing regional diplomatic sources, said the terrorist group has selected roughly half of the candidates for the new governing body — individuals aligned with Hamas principles, though not openly affiliated with the organization.

Aftermath of Israeli airstrike in Al-Bureij, central Gaza

(Photo: Eyad BABA / AFP)

The remaining candidates were reportedly chosen by the Palestinian Authority, with Egypt and other Arab mediators, fully aware of Hamas’ role in shaping the lineup. According to the report, the full list of proposed appointees was presented to Hamas for approval, with the goal of ensuring the group’s tacit support. The move is seen as a way to secure Hamas’ continued influence in Gaza even after the war ends, despite international calls for its disarmament and removal from power.

The development comes amid renewed criticism of Israel by Qatari ruler Tamim Al Thani, who on Tuesday condemned what he called Israel’s violations of the ceasefire and described the past two years in Gaza as a “genocide.” In a speech opening Qatar’s Shura Council session, the emir did not mention Hamas at all, despite Qatar’s central role in mediating talks between the group and Israel.

“The international community has failed to uphold its principles in the face of the Palestinian tragedy,” Al Thani said, denouncing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, policies toward the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa compound) and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump, Qatari ruler Tamim Al Thani

(Photo: Nathan Howard/Pool Photo via AP, the White House)