Cairo Dialogue Offers Last Chance for Palestinian Political System

The Palestinian political elite is focused on the implications of postponing elections, while the general Palestinian population is preoccupied with survival, livelihood, security, and healthcare, according to the article. A "Wafd" poll indicated that a majority in Gaza and the West Bank were unaware of the election date. The author suggests that a failure of the upcoming national dialogue, if it merely reiterates past agreements, could be the final blow to the Palestinian political system, eroding legitimacy and widening the gap between leadership and the people. International donors, including the EU and France, have threatened to halt aid if the postponement is not reviewed and if Israeli obstacles to free elections are not addressed. Some proposals include forming a parallel framework to the PLO or demanding donors condition aid on forming a government with a prime minister holding full powers, with the president becoming honorary. The postponement is attributed to the leadership's fear of electoral defeat, with projections suggesting they would win less than 24% of seats. This potential shift is seen as reflecting the post-October 7 reality, with a "new Nakba" emerging, particularly in Gaza, despite resistance efforts. The article claims the Palestinian side has largely fulfilled its commitments under a plan that includes Hamas relinquishing power, while Israel has not. The current situation in the West Bank is described as a frantic implementation of a plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause, involving ongoing killing, displacement, preventing a Palestinian state, and expanding settlements. The author draws parallels to the aftermath of the first and second Intifadas, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union, Arab solidarity, and strategic miscalculations as factors leading to failures like the Oslo Accords. The article criticizes past leadership decisions and external influences, arguing that current calls for "reforming the Authority" are a continuation of efforts to weaken Palestinian leadership. It posits that a successful dialogue in Cairo is crucial for Palestinian national consensus, not just on elections but on redefining the national project to confront existential threats. The dialogue needs to include broader representation and focus on a unified vision and strategy for survival and thwarting the liquidation of the cause. The author believes the current crisis, with the destruction of Hamas's power in Gaza and the weakening of the PA in the West Bank, presents an opportunity to overcome past divisions centered on power struggles. The article concludes by questioning the purpose of future elections: to manage an "occupied prison" or to achieve liberation and statehood. It warns against prioritizing daily life issues over the national project, which could lead to continued occupation and reliance on donors. The author suggests that if the current path continues, it will mark the end of a Palestinian era, leading to a new phase of struggle, which is hoped will be different and ultimately lead to victory.