Skip to main content

Hamas, Dahlan share rivalry toward Abbas

Although officials say relations between former Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan and Hamas are limited to aid provided by Dahlan to the Palestinians in Gaza, the shared enmity toward President Mahmoud Abbas shows otherwise.
GAZA CITY, -: Palestinian Prime Minister and leader of the Hamas party Ismail Haniya (L) shakes hands with Palestinian Fatah party strongman Mohammed Dahlan, following a vote by MPs approving the long awaited unity government in Gaza City 17 March 2007. The Palestinian parliament today overwhelmingly approved a coalition government uniting the radical Islamist Hamas movement with the secular Fatah of president Mahmud Abbas. Eighty-three members of the 132 member parliament voted in favor of the historic uni
Read in 

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.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.