Palestinian factions explore broad alliance for November elections

What the report says

Hamas and several other Palestinian factions are discussing a possible joint electoral bloc ahead of legislative elections set for November 28, according to Al Jazeera. The talks involve groups including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the National Initiative and Democratic Reform, as well as the Mohammed Dahlan-led breakaway Fatah faction. The reported goal is to build a wider alliance that could compete with the ruling Fatah movement of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas said it has decided to take part in the vote and prefers to do so as part of the broadest possible national list. A Hamas representative told Al Jazeera the movement does not need outside approval to participate. Fatah, however, is preparing to run separately, while leaving open the possibility of alliances with other factions. The Palestinian leadership has also said the elections are intended to help unify the political system.

The discussions come amid major obstacles, including the war in Gaza, rising violence in the occupied West Bank and Israeli restrictions in East Jerusalem. Abbas’s July decree called only for legislative elections, without setting a presidential vote, and campaigning is due to begin on November 6 if the process goes ahead.

Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said the coalition idea reflects a shifting political landscape. They also noted that names such as Marwan Barghouti are being discussed as possible unifying figures, while recent polling suggests no single faction dominates public support.