Report: Dahlan Joins Hamas and Islamic Jihad Coalition Ahead of Palestinian Elections

The AP news agency reported Tuesday evening, citing Palestinian sources, that Hamas and Islamic Jihad have agreed to form a coalition with former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan. The slate will run in the upcoming Palestinian Authority parliamentary elections against Fatah, led by chairman Abu Mazen.

As previously reported, Dahlan has been mentioned in recent months as someone who could head the Gaza Strip on “the day after.” He also reportedly met with Shin Bet chief David Zini. Dahlan lives in the United Arab Emirates and serves as a kind of adviser to the local government. 

Abu Mazen recently announced the first national elections in 20 years. The Palestinian Authority chairman said the parliamentary elections would be held on November 28 in Gaza and the West Bank, though it is uncertain whether they will take place.

Tuesday night’s report follows another report from the past month, according to which there were contacts between Hamas, the camp affiliated with Dahlan, and other Palestinian factions to establish a “national alliance” ahead of the elections.

Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed al-Hindi confirmed the establishment of the electoral alliance in an interview with the AP from Istanbul. He said the alliance would support a “unified national slate” that could be made up of independent figures rather than members of the organizations. It will include a bloc led by Dahlan, the former head of Fatah’s security apparatus, who went into exile in 2010 following a dispute with Abu Mazen.