Hamas and armed factions eye potential election alliance

Reports indicate that Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the reformist Fatah faction associated with Mohammed Dahlan, and several other groups are in talks to form a broad 'national alliance' ahead of the November 28, 2026, elections. These discussions, following weeks of meetings among Palestinian factions in Cairo, could result in one of the most unusual political coalitions in recent Palestinian history. Hamas has announced its intention to participate in the election as part of the broadest possible coalition. Senior Hamas official Husam Badran stated that the movement would work to establish a list representing a wide range of Palestinian society. If Islamic Jihad participates, it would mark a significant shift for a movement that has traditionally focused on armed activity. However, Fatah has rejected the possibility of running on a joint list with Hamas, stating it intends to run its own slate. Analysts warn that such an alliance could dramatically alter the Palestinian political landscape, though significant doubts remain regarding whether the elections will actually take place, given deep political divisions and the precedent of the canceled 2021 vote.