Hamas has decided to dissolve its government in Gaza and transfer power to a UN-backed technical committee. This decision was announced by Ismail al-Thawabta, the general director of the Hamas-run Government Media Office, who said that "only technical and professional staff" would remain in their positions to run the Palestinian enclave's day-to-day affairs. Al-Thawabta said that all employees working in service provision are state employees and are fully prepared to work under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem called this decision "a positive step forward on the path to implement the ceasefire deal." Israel dismissed the announcement as irrelevant and said that it was all a show. The UN-backed technical committee will be responsible for restoring essential services and overseeing civilian affairs under the supervision of the UN and the Board of Peace. The committee is based in Cairo and is chaired by Ali Shaath, a Gaza-born engineer and former official with the Palestinian Authority.