Hamas, Islamic Jihad Form Alliance With Dahlan Against Abbas Ahead of PA Elections

Hamas and Islamic Jihad have agreed to form an unexpected electoral alliance with Mohammed Dahlan, a former senior Fatah official, aiming to challenge Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The alliance, reported by AP on Tuesday, September 29, based on Palestinian sources, also includes Dahlan's faction and is seen as a potential challenge to Fatah's dominance, provided the Palestinian elections, the first in 20 years, actually take place.

Dahlan, who has close ties with the United Arab Emirates and has engaged with American and Israeli representatives during the war, is reportedly seeking to include Marwan Barghouti, a Fatah leader imprisoned in Israel for terrorism, on their unified list. The goal is to create a political entity that could gain American and regional legitimacy. This move aligns with recent reports of contacts between Hamas, Dahlan's camp, and other factions to form a "national alliance" before the elections.

Sources suggest the UAE could play a significant role in funding Gaza's reconstruction if this list wins, potentially allocating $70 billion. Palestinian Authority President Abbas has set November 28 for elections in Gaza and the West Bank, but has postponed them multiple times previously, including in 2021 when Fatah's electoral prospects were unfavorable.

Mohammed al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of Islamic Jihad, confirmed the alliance in an interview with AP, stating it would support a "unified national list" that might comprise independent public figures rather than direct members of the allied organizations. Dahlan, who previously led Fatah's security services but was exiled after a falling out with Abbas, has since become an advisor to the UAE ruler.

AP assesses that the alliance stems from widespread dissatisfaction with Abbas, who is perceived by many Palestinians as authoritarian, corrupt, and ineffective. The 90-year-old Abbas has remained in power since his presidential term expired in 2009, while Hamas continues to control parts of Gaza.

Dimitri Deliyani, a representative of Dahlan's "Democratic Reformist Current," also confirmed the alliance and criticized Abbas's leadership, stating the Palestinian Authority has "failed Gaza and the Palestinian people everywhere." Efforts are underway to attract other factions and professionals to the alliance's platform. Hamas had previously announced meetings between Dahlan and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo to discuss ending the "monopoly on national decision-making."