Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Dahlan Faction Form Palestinian Election Alliance

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movement have agreed to form an electoral alliance with the faction led by former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, aiming to present a "unified national list" in the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November 28. This move could significantly alter the political landscape for Palestinian leadership.

The new coalition, as reported by Associated Press citing Palestinian officials, includes Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the "Democratic Reform" current within Fatah headed by Dahlan, along with other unnamed Palestinian groups. Efforts are underway to broaden participation by attracting independent figures.

Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of Islamic Jihad, confirmed the alliance from Istanbul, stating it would back a unified list likely comprising independent figures rather than solely faction members. He noted that Islamic Jihad, which has not historically participated in Palestinian Authority elections, will support a consensus national list without fielding direct candidates under its own banner.

If held, these would be the first Palestinian national elections since 2006, when Hamas won, leading to subsequent internal conflict and Hamas's takeover of Gaza in 2007. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced the elections for the West Bank and Gaza on November 28, though their actual occurrence remains uncertain, having been postponed multiple times previously.

Dimitri Diliani, spokesperson for Dahlan's faction, affirmed the electoral agreement, criticizing the Palestinian Authority's performance. He indicated that other Palestinian groups have joined the alliance and that efforts are ongoing to include "all other factions and independent professionals" in a unified national rebuilding program.

This alliance follows a meeting between Hamas's Gaza chief, Khalil al-Hayya, and Dahlan in Cairo in August to discuss ending the "monopoly on the national decision" and formulating a comprehensive national strategy. Al-Hindi explained that the push for this alliance arose after attempts to unite various factions in a broader dialogue failed. The call for elections comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank and Gaza, and increased settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.