GAZA STRIP — Imad Mohsen, spokesperson for the Democratic Reform Movement, provided details on the scope of the discussions. "Dahlan and Hayya discussed in depth and with responsibility all issues concerning our Palestinian arena, foremost among them the efforts to protect our people and strengthen the national position within the framework of the efforts of the leadership of the movement and the national forces to ensure the unity of the national position, and the developments in the negotiation process that led to the approval of the roadmap for implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement," Mohsen said.

Hamas national relations official Husam Badran stated that Hamas has held bilateral and collective meetings with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the National Initiative, and the Democratic Reform faction. These engagements occur as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree on July 9 calling for Palestinian legislative elections to be held on November 28, 2026.

The November 28, 2026 election will be the first Palestinian legislative election since January 2006. Campaigning for the Palestinian legislative elections is set to launch on November 6, 2026. The meeting between Hamas and the Democratic Reform Bloc in Cairo on Wednesday aims to explore a single electoral ticket and draft a joint response to a recent 'Board of Peace' statement.

Fatah spokesperson Munther al-Hayek stated that Fatah’s organizational bases refuse to participate with Hamas in a single list but remain open to alliances with other factions. Abdel Fattah Dawla, spokesperson for Fatah, questioned the legitimacy of the potential alliance between Hamas and other factions.

"On what political and national basis is this alliance being formed? What are its objectives and what are its points of reference?" Dawla said.

Hamas announced the resignation of its civilian administration in the Gaza Strip in July 2026 under the Gaza peace plan. Hamas is Palestinian Islamist political and military organization. Mohammed Dahlan served as the head of the Preventive Security Service until his resignation in 2002.

Abbas expelled Mohammed Dahlan from Fatah in 2011. Abbas postponed both parliamentary and presidential elections in 2021, citing Israeli voting restrictions in East Jerusalem.

Why It Matters

The upcoming legislative elections represent a shift in Palestinian politics after a two-decade gap since the last vote in 2006. The formation of alliances between historically opposed factions like Hamas and groups associated with Mohammed Dahlan indicates a restructuring of political power ahead of the November ballot. With campaigning set to begin in November 2026, these negotiations determine which entities will present unified tickets to voters.

Public opinion data suggests a decline in support for traditional leadership, with nearly half of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with both Hamas and Fatah. This environment creates pressure for new coalitions while raising questions about the legitimacy and objectives of emerging partnerships. The refusal of Fatah's organizational bases to join a single list with Hamas further complicates the electoral landscape, potentially fragmenting the vote among multiple competing factions.

What's New

Khalil Shikaki, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, presented polling data indicating that 44% of Palestinians believe neither Hamas nor Fatah deserves to lead the Palestinian people. Osama al-Farra, a leader in the Democratic Reform current, stated that a delegation led by Dahlan met with a Hamas delegation headed by Khalil al-Hayya.

"The most dramatic finding has to do with the fact that Hamas has lost significant support from the Palestinian public," Shikaki said. "We do not need permission or a guarantee from any party to participate in the Palestinian elections. This is an inherent right for all factions," Badran said. The meeting between Hamas Political Bureau chief Khalil Al-Hayya and leaders and representatives of Palestinian forces and factions in Cairo on Monday evening discussed the latest political and field developments, as well as the outcome of recent meetings with the Egyptian leadership, mediators, and guarantors in Alamein. Osama al-Farra confirmed that the Democratic Reform faction decided to participate in the legislative elections and favors forming a broad national alliance.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on polling data regarding Palestinian political preferences. Polling data cited by Ahmed al-Tanani shows Marwan Barghouti leads a hypothetical presidential race with 54 percent support, followed by Khalil Al Hayya at 26 percent and Abbas at 14 percent.