Hamas plans to run in upcoming Palestinian elections, to prioritize status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Prof. Kobi Michael: Badran’s comments might be a “hint” that Hamas is planning to run under a newly formed party or unite with exiled Fatah figure Mohammed Dahlan.

This new party will accept Abu Mazen’s [PA President Mahmoud Abbas] terms, while Hamas will be able to continue declaring that it has not withdrawn from its principles and resistance ideology. I still believe that Hamas will not participate in the election as Hamas because it will not agree to accept Abu Mazen’s terms. If it accepts them, it is not Hamas anymore.

Published in The Jerusalem Post, August 13,  2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.