Hamas, Islamic Jihad Form Alliance With Fatah Rival Dahlan
Hamas and Islamic Jihad have agreed to form an unexpected coalition with Mohammed Dahlan, a former senior Fatah official and rival of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestinian sources told the Associated Press that this alliance could undermine Fatah's control over the Palestinian Authority, provided that general elections, the first in 20 years, actually take place. Abbas has set November 28 for parliamentary elections in Gaza and the West Bank, but these have been repeatedly postponed, most recently in 2021 when Fatah appeared headed for defeat.
The alliance aims to support a "unified national list" potentially composed of independent figures rather than official party members. Dahlan, once a key figure in Fatah's security apparatus, was exiled in 2010 after a bitter dispute with Abbas and had previously been expelled from Gaza by Hamas. He has since cultivated close ties with the UAE, where he advises the ruler, and maintains connections with US and Israeli officials. His alignment with Hamas and Islamic Jihad is seen as stemming from a shared frustration with Abbas's leadership.
Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of Islamic Jihad, confirmed the alliance in an interview with AP, stating it would back a unified list. Dimitri Deliani, spokesperson for Dahlan's "Democratic-Reformist Current," also confirmed the electoral pact, criticizing Abbas's leadership and stating the Palestinian Authority has "disappointed Gaza and the Palestinian people everywhere." He indicated that other Palestinian organizations are involved and efforts are underway to unite various factions and professionals around a national rehabilitation plan.
Hamas announced in August that Dahlan and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Haya met in Cairo to discuss ending the "monopoly on national decision-making" and formulating a comprehensive national strategy. The potential for elections remains uncertain, with Abbas, 90, having held power since his mandate expired in 2009.
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