Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad held talks in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, as well as broader political efforts to advance Palestinian national dialogue.

A Hamas delegation headed by Zaher Jabarin met with a Palestinian Islamic Jihad delegation led by the movement’s Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhalah. The two sides reviewed political and field developments related to the Palestinian cause and ways to support the steadfastness of the Palestinian people amid current challenges.

The discussions also addressed Israeli escalation in the occupied West Bank, including settlement expansion, settler attacks, Israeli raids and continuing violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Both movements examined ways to advance Palestinian national dialogue and narrow differences among Palestinian factions and political forces in order to strengthen national unity and serve broader national interests.

The Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo earlier on Wednesday as part of ongoing consultations over initiatives aimed at advancing internal Palestinian dialogue. The visit coincides with Egyptian-hosted consultations preparing for a comprehensive Palestinian dialogue. These follow recent visits to Egypt by Jibril Rajoub and Mohammad Shtayyeh for discussions with Egyptian officials and Palestinian factions.

Egyptian efforts build on previous rounds of dialogue hosted in Cairo, including a meeting on January 14, 2026, that brought together Palestinian factions and political forces to discuss issues related to the Gaza ceasefire.

Political discussions in Cairo are also examining the possibility of forming a broad national list to contest upcoming Palestinian legislative elections. Such a list could bring together parties from different political and organizational backgrounds in an attempt to move beyond traditional factional divisions.

Reports indicate that Palestinian political forces have reached a preliminary understanding to discuss a potential electoral list that could include Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, alongside the Fatah Democratic Reform Current led by Mohammed Dahlan, Nasser al-Qudwa’s current, and the Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree in July setting Saturday, November 28, 2026, as the date for Palestinian Legislative Council elections. The decree called on Palestinians in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip to participate in free and direct legislative elections to choose members of the Palestinian Legislative Council. (ILKHA)