These days, alliances previously excluded from the realm of possibility might in fact be established, as shown by the mutual gradual courting between Hamas and President Mahmoud Abbas’ archenemy Mohammed Dahlan, who had been dismissed from Fatah.

Hamas spokesman Salah Bardawil confirmed Oct. 27 that the movement is willing to talk with Dahlan after the completion of the reconciliation. According to Bardawil, social reconciliation erases the past and Hamas does not mind holding dialogues with any Palestinian regardless of his past, away from the internal disputes witnessed by Fatah.

Yahya Moussa, a Hamas leader and chairman of the Legislative Council’s Oversight Committee, told Al-Monitor, “Dahlan’s past is better than Abbas’ present, who is managing the Palestinian situation in a spirit of defeat and failure. Abbas’ settlement with Israel only brought more Judaization and land expropriation in the West Bank.”

These statements by Hamas led to a harsh response by Osama Qawasmi, a Fatah spokesman in the West Bank. Qawasmi stated Oct. 28 that they reflect a lack of national responsibility and affect the implementation of the reconciliation and the achievement of national unity.