{
  "id": 752045,
  "title": "Hamas plans to run in upcoming Palestinian elections, names Al-Aqsa Mosque core priority - report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/hamas-plans-to-run-in-upcoming-palestinian-elections-names-al-aqsa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T09:44:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-905406"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hamas has announced its intention to take part in the forthcoming Palestinian elections, according to a senior official speaking to the Iran-backed Hamas-controlled Al-Aqsa TV. Hussam Badran, a member of the group's political bureau, stated that the organization would enter the race as part of a larger national coalition.\n\nThe Palestinian Legislative Council elections are scheduled to take place on November 28, marking the first elections in two decades since Hamas' victory in January 2006. In the previous election, Hamas secured 74 out of the total seats, with Fatah trailing with 45.\n\nBadran emphasized that the majority of Palestinian factions, including Hamas, are against imposing political prerequisites on candidates wishing to run in the elections. Candidates must formally acknowledge the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. He described the upcoming elections as \"a historic opportunity to bring about change in the Palestinian situation and end the state of unilateral decision-making that has persisted for two decades.\"\n\nAlthough Badran criticized the lack of a national consensus, he also noted that the elections were now taking place without it. Regarding Hamas' future priorities, he reiterated the group's focus on the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem. This holy site, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, has been at the heart of escalating tensions, with Arab and Muslim nations condemning the increasing presence of Jewish worshippers and prayers at the site in recent weeks.\n\nBadran asserted that the Al-Aqsa Mosque embodies the core conflict with Israel and accused Israel of exploiting the ongoing war in Gaza as a pretext to alter the status quo at the site. The Temple Mount, which houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, is managed by the Jordanian Waqf, while Israel retains overall security control. Under established arrangements, non-Muslims are permitted to visit the site but are not officially allowed to pray there, with Jewish prayer increasingly deemed as incitement or escalation.\n\nHe also pointed out that the West Bank had become a component of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy for expanding Israeli control. Netanyahu has touted the resolution of the conflict with the Palestinian people, especially in the West Bank, as his campaign slogan ahead of the approaching Israeli elections. Badran added that Palestinian blood had been weaponized as a propaganda tool by the occupation parties in all domains.\n\nLastly, Badran highlighted Palestinian prisoners as a pressing issue, emphasizing that Hamas is prioritizing the release of detainees currently held in custody. Following the October 7 invasion of southern Israel, Hamas secured the release of thousands of prisoners through hostage-exchanges, utilizing the incident to bolster its propaganda efforts and rally support for the organization.",
  "summary": "Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are set to go ahead on November 28, the first in 20 years after Hamas won in January 2006. Hamas won 74 of the seats, with Fatah following behind.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hamas plans to run in upcoming Palestinian elections as part of a national coalition.",
    "Al-Aqsa Mosque is named as core priority by Hamas, reflecting escalating tensions.",
    "Palestinian elections scheduled for November 28, first in two decades."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Hamas's decision to participate in the Palestinian elections shifts the group's approach from confrontation to engagement, with a focus on preserving the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque and releasing Palestinian prisoners.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}