Hamas and Dahlan’s factions seek alliance that could reshape Palestinian elections and weaken Abbas

Several Palestinian sources report growing anxiety in Ramallah over efforts by Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan's faction to form a political alliance ahead of November 28 legislative elections. A Cairo meeting last week included Hamas, Dahlan's Democratic Reform Bloc, Islamic Jihad, and other groups. No final agreement has been reached, but the prospect threatens Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah slate. The PA sent a delegation to Cairo on Monday to counter the move. These developments have fueled questions whether Abbas will still hold the vote in November or delay it if he perceives a real threat to his power.

Several Palestinian sources report growing anxiety within the Palestinian Authority leadership in Ramallah over ongoing efforts by rival factions, most notably Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan's camp, to form a political alliance ahead of legislative council elections scheduled for November 28. A Palestinian figure who attended a Cairo anti-Abbas coalition meeting confirmed no final decision has been made but stated the aim is clear: "We want to bring Abbas down; We want to end his dominance." The proposed alliance, described as a "wide national list," includes Hamas, Dahlan's Democratic Reform Bloc, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Nasser al-Qudwa's National Democratic Forum, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Although no formal agreement has been reached, the prospect has sparked concern that such a bloc would deliver a political blow to the official Fatah slate led by Abbas. Another Palestinian source said this has raised alarm bells in Ramallah, prompting the PA to consider counter moves. As part of this effort, a Fatah delegation headed by PA deputy Hussein al-Sheikh visited Cairo on Monday, where discussions were held with Dahlan's associate Samir Mashharawi. Mashharawi said after the meeting that "unifying the Fatah movement can only be achieved through actions." A source close to Dahlan's faction claimed that Abbas's Fatah is threatened politically because the public sees them as corrupt and wants change. The source noted that shifting interests and Dahlan's recent role in Gaza ceasefire arrangements have brought the two camps closer. There have been recent attempts by Egyptians to reconcile Abbas and Dahlan. These developments have fueled questions whether Abbas will still hold the vote in November or delay it if he perceives a real threat to his power. Hussein al-Sheikh said in a briefing that elections will go ahead in November, stressing they must include Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Hamas could not run under its name or official figures.