Palestinian sources confirmed on Wednesday that a national dialogue has begun in the Egyptian capital, bringing together several political factions. The participating groups include Fatah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Agenda and Timeline
A senior source within Hamas, who requested anonymity, told Arab 21 that the meetings are scheduled to continue through Thursday. The discussions focus on several key files, primarily the termination of the internal division between Gaza and the West Bank. A central objective is facilitating the entry of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad into the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). These steps are intended to pave the way for the holding of general elections.
Election Delays and Official Statements
The dialogue follows a recent decree issued by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas postponing legislative elections originally set for November. The new schedule mandates simultaneous legislative and presidential elections in September 2027.
Hamas welcomed this decision in an official statement. The movement characterized the postponement as a step in the right direction, noting that the necessary political, security, and field conditions for free and fair elections across all occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, were not met. The party stated that this move should lead to a comprehensive, serious, and productive national dialogue.
Strategic Goals
Hamas affirmed its readiness to engage in the broad dialogue to reach clear and binding results for all parties. The group outlined specific goals for the talks, including mechanisms to reorganize the Palestinian house, particularly the PLO National Council and the Legislative Council. Furthermore, the factions aim to agree on a comprehensive national strategy that includes a political program and the management of the transitional phase.
The statement emphasized the need to confront serious Zionist threats targeting the national cause and to protect the Palestinian people in all locations where they reside. Special attention was directed toward the situation in the Gaza Strip, which the faction described as suffering from genocide and displacement due to ongoing war.
