Hamas Seeks Role for Its Police in Postwar Gaza

Hamas is seeking a role for its police force in Gaza’s future governance structure as discussions move toward disarmament, according to an exclusive report by Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The group wants roughly 10,000 Hamas-run police officers to be absorbed into a new Palestinian administration backed by the United States, even as it debates surrendering its weapons under a phased ceasefire agreement.

US-Backed Framework Excludes Hamas

Under a 20-point plan now in its second phase, governance of Gaza is meant to be transferred to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic Palestinian body operating under US oversight and explicitly designed to exclude Hamas.

The ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump links further Israeli troop withdrawals to Hamas giving up its arms. Hamas currently retains control of just under half of Gaza following the October truce.

Letter Urges Cooperation

In a letter sent to staff on Sunday and seen by Reuters, Gaza’s Hamas-run government urged more than 40,000 civil servants and security personnel to cooperate with the NCAG. At the same time, it assured them that Hamas was working to ensure their incorporation into the new administration.

Four sources said this plan includes the Hamas police force, many of whom have continued patrolling Gaza as the group reasserts control in areas it still governs. The demand has not previously been reported.

Israeli Opposition Expected

Israel has repeatedly rejected any future role for Hamas in Gaza. It remains unclear whether Israeli leaders would accept the inclusion of Hamas-affiliated civil or security personnel within the NCAG.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Key Sticking Points Remain

Hamas’s position highlights major unresolved gaps between the group and Israel, backed by Washington, as Trump advances plans for Gaza’s postwar reconstruction. Last week, Trump launched the “Board of Peace,” a transitional body meant to coordinate redevelopment funding and governance.

The framework explicitly bars “foreign terrorist organizations” from participating in Gaza’s administration, raising questions about whether Hamas-linked personnel could be accommodated.

Hamas Signals Conditional Flexibility

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Reuters that the group is prepared to hand over governance to the 15-member NCAG and its chair, Ali Shaath, immediately. He said Hamas expects the new body to rely on experienced personnel rather than dismiss tens of thousands of workers.

Sources said Hamas is open to restructuring ministries and retiring some employees but warned that mass dismissals could trigger instability and chaos in Gaza.

Security Oversight Dispute

Another unresolved issue is whether Sami Nasman, a former Palestinian Authority general appointed to oversee security under the NCAG, can operate effectively. Nasman left Gaza after Hamas seized control in 2007 and was later sentenced in absentia by a Hamas court, charges he denies.

Hamas and NCAG chair Shaath have not yet met in person to discuss governance arrangements, according to a Hamas official. Shaath’s office declined to comment.