Fatah Faces Dual Challenge: Peace With Israel and Unity With Hamas

The Palestinian Fatah movement is grappling with the complex tasks of achieving peace with Israel and reconciling with Hamas. Representatives from the "Democratic Reforms" (FDR) faction advocate for a pragmatic approach, acknowledging current realities and the need for coexistence, even with ideological adversaries. Dimitri Diliani, a former Fatah Revolutionary Council member and FDR representative, stated in an interview with The Jerusalem Post that Palestinians must view Israel as a state with which peace must be established under international law. He also criticized Israeli society as "morally bankrupt" and blamed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the economic crisis.

Significant attention is currently focused on FDR leader Mohammad Dahlan, a former head of the Palestinian Authority's Preventive Security Service who historically opposed Hamas. Dahlan was reportedly involved in a U.S.-backed effort to oust Hamas from Gaza in 2008. After Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip, he lost his position and later left the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority accused Dahlan of attempting a coup against Abbas, involvement in Yasser Arafat's death, and embezzling state funds, all of which he denies.

Despite past conflicts, Dahlan met with Hamas leadership in Cairo in early September. In a letter obtained by the publication, Dahlan urged Palestinians to focus on protecting their people and building a future political system rather than dwelling on past grievances. Diliani explained the rapprochement by noting Hamas's undeniable presence and the impossibility of removing it by force, while also acknowledging U.S.-backed agreements that restrict Hamas's governance role in Gaza.

Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are scheduled for November, with Hamas indicating its intention to participate. This requires Hamas to resolve the issue of recognizing the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole legitimate representative of Palestinians. Potential avenues include participating through a new party or forming an alliance with Dahlan, who currently resides in the UAE. Presidential elections, potentially in 2027 after a 15-year delay, face challenges, as a recent poll suggests Abbas would receive only 14% of the vote. Dahlan is currently barred from running due to a conviction, but this could be overturned on appeal or through a national reconciliation amnesty.