A new round of Palestinian diplomatic activity is underway in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, for the second time in less than a week, aimed at paving the way for comprehensive dialogue following the postponement of Palestinian elections to September 2027 from next November, and discussing arrangements for the next phase.
According to Palestinian sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on Wednesday, four Palestinian factions are beginning a limited round of national dialogue in Cairo through a series of bilateral and group meetings. The talks are part of preparations for a broader national dialogue involving a wide range of factions, including Fatah, and possibly even Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The four factions are Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Their delegations will hold bilateral and joint meetings to consult on the participants and agenda for the broader dialogue.
Fatah Rejects Participation of Dahlan's Faction
According to three Palestinian sources who spoke separately to Asharq Al-Awsat, Fatah remains adamantly opposed to the participation of the Democratic Reform Current, a breakaway faction led by Mohammed Dahlan.
Fatah also rejects the participation of Palestinian factions that emerged around the start of the Second Intifada in late 2000, including the Popular Resistance Committees, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, the Palestinian Freedom Movement (Al-Ahrar) and other smaller factions that it says receive funding from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.
The sources explained that Fatah, by contrast, insists on the participation of all Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) factions, including those that no longer have a significant popular base or an active political role, such as As-Sa'iqa, the Palestinian Democratic Union (FIDA), the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front and the Palestine Liberation Front.
One source confirmed that the meetings would address arrangements concerning the PLO and the Palestinian internal political landscape as a whole, as well as the Palestinian National Council and other issues.
A third source from a faction participating in the Cairo talks said all outstanding disputes were expected to be resolved during the meetings, which could last two days or be extended if necessary.
The source said discussions would focus on ending the Palestinian division entirely, establishing clear mechanisms for forming the Palestinian National Council and setting an official date for comprehensive national dialogue to be convened at the direct invitation of President Abbas.
The source explained that, if approved, the comprehensive national dialogue would address numerous issues, including the conditions for joining the PLO and restructuring it, the Palestinian National Council and legislative and presidential elections.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian source close to the factions and currently in Cairo told Asharq Al-Awsat on Wednesday that Palestinians were placing considerable hopes on Egypt's role this time, following the election postponement, and on Cairo's sponsorship of efforts to bridge divisions, achieve broad national consensus and convene comprehensive dialogue soon despite the difficulties.
The source noted that the current consultations among Palestinian factions largely center on mechanisms for managing the Palestinian political landscape and its future direction.
The main disagreements concern the nature of the anticipated dialogue and whether it will lead to the establishment of a temporary leadership framework for the PLO and agreement on a national unity government in accordance with previous agreements, or merely result in conventional discussions without binding outcomes, as has happened in the past.
The source said the direction of the talks would become clearer in the coming hours.
Rebuilding the Political System
Fatah spokesperson Abdel Fattah Dawla said the meetings taking place Wednesday with several factions present in Cairo were intended to build on previous consultations and the positive atmosphere established with Egyptian officials and representatives of Palestinian factions.
"The ongoing meetings on Wednesday with some of the factions present in Cairo are aimed at continuing the efforts launched during previous consultations and building on the positive atmosphere achieved with our brothers in Egypt and representatives of Palestinian factions, with the goal of creating the conditions for comprehensive national dialogue. All of this lays the foundation for a new phase of joint national action," he said.
Dawla believes that "the fundamental guarantee for the success of the dialogue is genuine political will among all parties and a readiness to move from managing disagreements to resolving them, and from exchanging positions to committing to implementable national understandings."
He told Asharq Al-Awsat: "We also need specific implementation mechanisms, agreed timelines and follow-up committees to ensure that whatever is agreed upon is translated into practical steps, whether in administering the Gaza Strip, unifying institutions or rebuilding the political system on democratic and participatory foundations, and renewing the legitimacy of its institutions through elections when conditions allow for a fair and inclusive process."
Regarding Cairo's current role, the Fatah spokesperson said Egypt could help create an appropriate environment for dialogue, bring opposing viewpoints closer together and assist the factions in moving beyond discussions of their differences toward agreement on a shared national vision.
Cairo, meanwhile, remains committed to its role in ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, according to a statement issued Wednesday by Egypt's Foreign Ministry marking the first anniversary of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit.
The ministry stressed Egypt's continued commitment to implementing the peace plan, consolidating the ceasefire, beginning reconstruction efforts and completing the Israeli withdrawal.
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