A delegation of Hamas officials, led by Hossam Badran, held meetings with various Palestinian factions and political forces in Cairo on September 21, 2026. The discussions focused on recent developments in Palestine, including upcoming legislative elections and reforms to the Palestinian national council. The meetings aimed to strengthen national unity and explore ways to enhance cooperation among Palestinian factions.
The Palestinian factions reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-defense and protection of their land and holy sites. They also emphasized their commitment to national rights and the importance of free and transparent elections to choose representatives for the legislative and national councils. The factions rejected the appointment of representatives by nomination, exclusion of certain Palestinian components, and any unilateral steps in the representation process.
The meetings took place amid a recent reform of the Palestinian national council. On June 4, 2026, President Mahmoud Abbas ratified a new electoral system allowing for the direct election of national council members in Palestine and the diaspora through proportional representation. However, several Palestinian factions denounced the process on September 9, citing concerns that it may not ensure effective representation of various Palestinian components, particularly those living abroad.
The participants agreed to continue consultations and coordination with different national forces and personalities. They also called for an end to the Palestinian political division and the rebuilding and reactivation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on democratic, participatory, and national bases. Furthermore, they emphasized the need for a unified national strategy to address occupation, colonization, and annexation.
The meeting brought together representatives from various factions, including Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, the Fatah Reform and Democratic Current, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and others. These consultations are part of Egypt's mediation efforts between Palestinian parties and regional actors, aiming to advance the Gaza dossier and promote a unified Palestinian approach.
The legislative elections are currently scheduled for November 28, 2026, according to a presidential decree and the Palestinian Central Election Commission's calendar. Recent changes to the electoral law, made by President Abbas on June 4, increased the number of legislative council seats to 200, lowered the minimum age for candidates to 23, and enhanced women's representation on electoral lists.
The Hamas movement has expressed opposition to these changes, considering them a unilateral step by the Palestinian Authority. The participation of Hamas in the upcoming elections is also opposed by some in Israel, who call for the movement to disarm and accept the framework of agreements between the PLO and Israel. However, Hamas asserts that its participation in the elections is a right that does not require approval from any other party.
Key points
- Palestinian factions, including Hamas, met in Cairo to discuss elections and national council reforms.
- The factions reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-defense and free elections.
- The meetings aimed to strengthen national unity and promote a unified Palestinian approach.
