The decision to bring Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Mohammed Dahlan group together in the same electoral alliance was confirmed in Istanbul. Mohammed al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of Islamic Jihad, said the alliance would support a joint national list that could consist of independent candidates rather than party members.
The participation in this structure of Dahlan's group, which had previously clashed with Hamas in Gaza, is being viewed as a significant development for Palestine's political balance. Dahlan was exiled after a dispute with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2010.
The fact that Dahlan's group, which provides advisory services in the United Arab Emirates, has joined Hamas and Islamic Jihad on the same political platform drew attention. The alliance is viewed as being linked to shared dissatisfaction with the Abbas administration.
Palestine's election calendar
The last general elections in Palestine were held in January 2006. Elections were postponed several times during the period of tension that followed Hamas's victory, with the postponements continuing until 2021.
In a decree issued on July 9, Mahmoud Abbas decided that general elections in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip would be held on November 28. The date of the presidential elections, which are expected to be held in the first quarter of next year in accordance with the law, will be determined later.
Mohammed Dahlan's political background
After serving as a member of the Fatah Movement's Central Committee, Dahlan was expelled from the movement in 2011. Dahlan left the West Bank that same year and settled in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Allegations emerged that Dahlan had played a role in the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and had amassed wealth by embezzling public funds during his tenure.
In 2016, the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Crimes Court sentenced Dahlan to three years in prison for embezzling $16 million while serving as coordinator of security affairs for the Palestinian presidency.
