Monday's move marks a significant political shift for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 after winning parliamentary elections in 2006.
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The Palestinian group Hamas has decided to dissolve the government it has led in Gaza for nearly two decades.
A statement issued by Gaza's state media office on Monday said, "Mohammed al-Fara, head of the government's emergency committee, has decided to officially resign from his post and dissolve the government's emergency committee. This step is taken to implement the provisions of the agreement and facilitate the administrative transition process."
"Hamas has taken a new step, in which it will no longer be in charge of the Gaza Strip. Israel will no longer have any excuse to continue its aggression and destructive war," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP news agency. Hamas' announcement paves the way for the formation of a civilian government led by experts in the region.
Monday's move is a significant political shift for Hamas. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007 after winning parliamentary elections in 2006.
Hamas has repeatedly said it is ready to leave the government since the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza came into effect last October.
The agreement stipulated that Hamas would give up the government and its weapons. A UN-backed civilian government would then be established in Gaza, with the UN-backed International Stabilization Force (ISF) providing security for Gaza.
This civilian government is called the 'National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).' Although the NCAG was formed on January 16, it has not yet been able to run the government in Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said that the NCAG's entry was expected after the government was dissolved. 'We hope that the NCAG will enter soon. Hamas is ready to hand over government responsibilities to ensure the success of this committee,' he said.
NCAG chief Ali Saath welcomed Hamas's announcement. He wrote on social media, "We confirm that the NCAG is fully prepared to assume its national responsibilities as soon as the necessary resources and capabilities are available."
Despite leaving the government, Hamas has not made any decision on laying down its arms.
Israel had previously opposed the NCAG. Israel has also not yet recognized the Palestinian Authority, which is running an interim government in the West Bank with the support of the United Nations.
