Hamas plans to run in upcoming Palestinian elections, to prioritize status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Hamas plans to participate in the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, according to senior official Hussam Badran. The group will run as part of a broad national coalition. Badran also stated that Hamas prioritizes maintaining the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which he called the core of the conflict with Israel.

Hamas announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections, scheduled for November 28, 2026. The announcement was made by Hussam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, in an interview with Hamas-operated Al-Aqsa TV on Wednesday. Badran stated that the group would run as part of a broad national coalition, and he asserted that most Palestinian factions oppose requiring parties to meet political conditions to run. The elections are the first in 20 years, following Hamas's victory in January 2006, when it won 74 seats to Fatah's 45. Badran described the elections as a historic opportunity to end unilateral decision-making. He also emphasized that Hamas prioritizes the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem, calling the mosque the core of the conflict with Israel. He accused Israel of exploiting the Gaza war to alter the status quo at the site. Additionally, Badran claimed that the West Bank has become part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy to expand Israeli reach, and he said that as Israeli elections approach, Palestinian blood becomes a propaganda tool for the occupation. On prisoners, Badran said Hamas prioritizes securing the freedom of those in detention.