Mohammad Dahlan political activities in Gaza

Mohammad Dahlan, the former head of Gaza’s Preventive Security Service currently in exile in the United Arab Emirates, is actively restructuring his political presence in anticipation of the Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November 28, 2026. His Democratic Reform Movement has implemented leadership changes, including appointing Samir Al-Mashharawi to oversee administrative and financial affairs and Osama Al-Farra to lead the election committee.

Dahlan is positioning himself as a mediator in Gaza, reportedly engaging in efforts to facilitate the disarmament of Hamas. These efforts include mediating between Hamas and Jared Kushner in Egypt. While Dahlan has been linked to discussions regarding a 15-point plan for a technocratic government, his momentum faced a setback following the rejection of a disarmament plan by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Dahlan has criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of “contempt and deception of the American administration and President Trump’s team.”

Despite wariness from Hamas due to his role in the 2007 Palestinian civil war, Dahlan continues to leverage his regional connections to emerge as a potential alternative to the current political leadership.