Palestinian factions negotiate alliances ahead of 2026 elections

Palestinian political factions are actively negotiating alliances and positions ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for November 28, 2026. The upcoming elections aim to renew political legitimacy, address internal divisions, and rebuild international trust in the Palestinian right to self-determination.

A significant point of contention is a presidential decree requiring all candidates or lists to commit to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) program. This condition poses a strategic challenge for movements like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as participation could be interpreted as a shift away from armed resistance toward the Oslo Accords framework. While Hamas has shown pragmatic interest by calling for voter registration, the Islamic Jihad maintains a more rigid stance.

Political consultations are also underway to reshape the domestic landscape. These include internal discussions within Fatah to consolidate various currents, as well as reported rapprochement between Hamas and the reformist movement led by Mohammed Dahlan. Experts suggest that while various groups seek to end political unilateralism, no mature or finalized coalitions have yet emerged to fundamentally alter the political map.