Hamas and Islamic Jihad Form Electoral Bloc with Fatah Official Amid Gaza Ceasefire

Key points

• Hamas and Islamic Jihad joined forces with former Fatah official Khalil al-Hindi to create a new electoral bloc for upcoming Palestinian elections.
• The alliance was formed after previous attempts to unify factions within the Palestine Liberation Organization failed, particularly due to disagreements over recognizing Israel.
• The new group will not run its own candidates but will support a unified national list agreed upon by the coalition.
• Islamic Jihad claims it was not involved in planning the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, though it participated in the conflict and held hostages.
• The coalition supports the U.S. ceasefire plan but blames Israel for blocking the disarmament phase, while acknowledging reduced Iranian support.

Background

This development follows a period of significant political instability in the Palestinian territories. Recent polls indicate declining support for both Hamas and Fatah, with many Palestinians favoring neither group. The formation of this coalition occurs amidst ongoing violence in the West Bank and a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has halted heavy fighting but not all Israeli military operations. Previous attempts at Palestinian unity have failed, often due to disagreements over Israel's recognition and the role of armed resistance.

Why it matters

The formation of this coalition could reshape the political landscape in the Palestinian territories, potentially influencing the outcome of upcoming elections and the future of the Palestinian Authority. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving Palestinian unity and the impact of external factors, such as Israeli actions and regional dynamics, on Palestinian politics.

What to watch

The coalition will likely focus on building a unified national list for the upcoming elections. The outcome of these elections could determine the future direction of Palestinian politics and its relationship with Israel and other regional actors. The success of the ceasefire and disarmament process will also be crucial in shaping the political environment.