The evolving relationship between Hamas and dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan raised questions in the Palestinian street about the depth of this relationship, the extent of its efficiency and how its serves the best interests of both parties. Meanwhile, the Islamic movement’s regional relations are witnessing bumps, and Dahlan’s ties are growing stronger with decision-makers in a number of Arab states.

Both sides refuse to declare publicly that there are political developments in the relationship between them. They rather confirm that their ties are only limited to the provision of help to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip through a social committee including members from Fatah figures close to Dahlan and members from Hamas.

However, the march organized against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in December, during which posters of Dahlan were held by Fatah members loyal to him in Gaza City for the first time, opened the door again to suspicions that the relationship has evolved to more than just providing financial aid to the needy in Gaza.

Ismail Haniyeh, the deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, said on Dec. 29 in statements relayed by Shihab news agency close to Hamas that the relationship between his movement and Dahlan is a relationship between one people.