Alliances forged ahead of first Palestinian elections in two decades

In the run-up to Palestine's first elections in two decades, political parties once at odds have begun to join forces, aiming to challenge the current political order. The last Legislative Council elections were held in 2006, with Hamas emerging victorious. President Mahmoud Abbas, in power since 2005, had scheduled legislative and presidential elections for 2021 but has since postponed them, citing Israel's refusal to permit Palestinians in East Jerusalem from participating.

Experts speculate that Abbas opted out due to the high probability of a winning candidate list led by imprisoned activist Marwan Barghouti.

Various political factions, spurred by European and US pressure for reforms, have showcased their intent to take part in the November elections. The proceedings, however, are likely to be dominated by the aftermath of the Gaza war, which has weakened Hamas's control over the territory, and the escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank, primarily due to armed settler attacks on Palestinian towns and homes.

On Monday, Mohammad Dahlan, the head of a breakaway faction of the ruling party Fatah, met with Hamas chief Khalil Al Hayya in Egypt's Al-Alamein. The focus of their discussions was on the "unity of the national position," but the talks extended further. A Hamas official announced that a "political alliance" including several Palestinian political factions, such as Hamas and Dahlan's party, is being formed, though the matter remains under discussion. The official confirmed that an alliance appears to be taking shape.

However, not everyone is supportive of the potential alliance. Fatah's spokesman, Abdel Fattah Dawla, questioned the legitimacy of such an alliance, demanding clarity on its political and national basis, objectives, and reference points. He warned Fatah would confront any alliances formed with hostility towards it. The meeting coincided with US Middle East envoy Jared Kushner's visit to Egypt, where he held talks with Hamas officials.

Dahlan had previously clashed with Hamas during his tenure as head of the Preventive Security Force and Fatah representative in Gaza, leading to his expulsion from Fatah.

Many believe that the initiative to form an alliance stems from the desire to thwart Mr. Abbas's 21-year rule in Palestine. Fatah is wary of the alliance, seeing it as hostile to their interests. Meanwhile, Hamas, weakened by the Gaza war and its dissolution of governing authority, is eager to remain relevant in the political arena.

A recent poll revealed a significant drop in support for armed struggle among Palestinians, with 27% favoring it, compared to 40% in October. Conversely, 44% now favor negotiations to end the Israeli occupation and achieve statehood, marking a sharp shift in public opinion.