Hamas, Islamic Jihad May Back Rival to Abu Mazen in Palestinian Elections

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movement have reportedly agreed to form an electoral alliance with former Fatah strongman Mohammed Dahlan, aiming to weaken Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas ahead of planned Palestinian elections. According to sources speaking to Israel's Channel 12 News, any support for Dahlan's list would be external, with no Hamas members officially included.

Dahlan, who was once a senior figure in Fatah and its security forces before falling out with Abbas and leaving the Palestinian territories in 2010, has stipulated that his electoral list will not feature individuals directly affiliated with Hamas. Despite this condition, the possibility of external backing from the militant groups remains open.

The potential alliance, which would unite long-time rivals against a common adversary in Abbas, has been confirmed by Islamic Jihad deputy secretary-general Mohammed al-Hindi. He told the Associated Press that the bloc would support a "unified national list" potentially comprising independent figures rather than official party members. A spokesperson for Dahlan's "Democratic Reformist Current" also confirmed the move, stating efforts are underway to bring additional factions and independents into the fold.

This development follows recent public engagement between Dahlan and Hamas, including a meeting between Dahlan and Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya two months prior. At that time, Hamas stated the discussion focused on ending the "monopoly on national decision-making and formulating a comprehensive national strategy."

However, the overarching question remains whether the elections, scheduled for November 28 after a 20-year hiatus, will actually take place. Most Palestinian commentators anticipate that Abbas will postpone them again, with only seven lists registered so far. Many politicians and lists are reportedly waiting until the last minute, anticipating a potential cancellation and unwilling to reveal their strategies prematurely. Abbas previously postponed elections in 2021, and the last general elections in 2006 resulted in a Hamas victory, leading to international boycotts and Hamas's subsequent takeover of Gaza in 2007.