Hamas and Dahlan Form Alliance Ahead of Palestinian Elections

Hamas and Islamic Jihad have agreed to form a political coalition with former Fatah senior official Mohammed Dahlan, aiming to challenge Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's leadership. Palestinian sources told the Associated Press that this unexpected alliance will be tested if the parliamentary elections, scheduled by Abbas for November 28, actually take place. Islamic Jihad deputy secretary-general Mohammed al-Hindi confirmed the alliance in an Istanbul interview, stating the coalition would support a "unified national list" potentially comprising independent figures. Dahlan's faction spokesperson, Dimitri Diliani, also confirmed the move, criticizing Abbas's leadership by saying, "The Palestinian Authority has disappointed Gaza and the Palestinian people everywhere." He added that efforts are underway to include additional factions and professionals in the alliance to unite around a reconstruction plan. The alliance between Dahlan and the militant groups is considered surprising, given Dahlan was previously expelled from Gaza by Hamas and went into exile in 2010 following a bitter dispute with Abbas. Since then, he has cultivated close ties in the UAE, serving as an advisor to its ruler, and has maintained extensive connections in the United States and Israel. The basis for this coalition is a shared frustration with the 90-year-old Abbas, who has held power since his mandate expired in 2009. Initial reports of joint electoral efforts emerged in August, when Hamas stated Dahlan and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya met in Cairo to discuss ending the "monopoly on national decision-making." It remains uncertain if the elections will proceed, as Abbas has postponed them repeatedly in the past, most recently in 2021 when Fatah appeared headed for defeat.