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

Several Palestinian sources said anxiety has emerged within the PA leadership in Ramallah following ongoing efforts by rival Palestinian factions, most notably Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan’s camp, to form a political alliance ahead of the elections for the legislative council (the Palestinian parliament) scheduled for November 28.

A Palestinian figure who attended the Cairo anti-Abbas coalition meeting confirmed that no final decision has been made but added that the aim is clear. “We want to bring Abbas down; We want to end his dominance,” he told The Jerusalem Post.

Leaders and representatives from several Palestinian factions convened in Cairo last week to discuss a possible coalition, which was described as a “wide national list.” The proposed alliance was said to include, apart from Hamas and Dahlan’s Democratic Reform Bloc, also Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Nasser al-Qudwa’s National Democratic Forum, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and other groups.

Alliance prospect sparks concern about Fatah, Abbas rule

Although no formal agreement has been reached, the very prospect of such an alliance has sparked concern that this bloc, if formed, would deliver a political blow to the official Fatah slate led by Abbas and undermine his rule.

Another Palestinian source said this has raised alarm bells in Ramallah, prompting the PA to consider counter moves to thwart the formation of this potential bloc. “If this coalition succeeds, it could mean the downfall of Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas). His group and Fatah’s influence would be dramatically weakened, as Palestinian law gives the largest parliamentary bloc the right to form the next government,” he told the Post. 

As part of the PA’s counter-effort to prevent this plan and block Hamas from gaining political influence by joining other political forces, the sources pointed to a Fatah delegation headed by PA deputy Hussein al-Sheikh, which visited Cairo on Monday, where discussions were held with Dahlan’s associate Samir Mashharawi and possibly with other faction representatives.

In an interview with Arab media after the meeting with al-Sheikh, Mashharawi said that “unifying the Fatah movement can only be achieved through actions.” He added that he presented a set of points during the meeting to submit to President Abbas, whom he said makes the decisions.

One Palestinian source close to Dahlan’s faction claimed that “Abu Mazen’s Fatah are now threatened politically because they know the public sees the them as corrupt and wants change.” He noted that despite years of animosity between Dahlan and Hamas, shifting interests, and particularly Dahlan’s recent role in Gaza ceasefire arrangements, have brought the two camps closer. 

There have been recent attempts by the Egyptians to reconcile the two leaders

Dahlan is considered a tough and challenging political rival to Mahmoud Abbas. The longstanding tension between them has increased over the years since Abbas ousted Dahlan from Fatah’s institutions, leading him to establish his own faction, separate from the official Fatah movement. The source confirmed that there have been recent attempts by the Egyptians to reconcile the two leaders. 

These developments have fueled questions among Palestinians whether Abbas will still hold the vote in November or delay it if he perceives a real threat to his power.

During a briefing with Palestinian journalists a few days ago, Hussein al-Sheikh said that elections will go ahead in November, stressing they must include Jerusalem and Gaza. He also said Hamas could not run in the elections under its name or its official figures.