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Palestinian factions, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, were set to begin preliminary talks in Cairo on Monday ahead of a broader national dialogue, according to Fatah spokesman Abdulfettah Dweleh, who confirmed the meetings to Anadolu Agency.

Dweleh said the consultations were expected to last no more than two days and would focus on preparations for an inclusive dialogue and on underlining the principles of national reconciliation. The date for the wider talks would be set afterwards, he added, noting they could resume on October 20. The Fatah delegation, led by Central Committee Secretary-General Jibril Rajoub and committee member Mohammed Ishtayyeh, was due to arrive in Cairo the same day. The other factions named by Dweleh had not yet commented.

The Cairo meetings follow an October 10 presidential decree by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rescheduling legislative elections and setting simultaneous presidential and legislative votes for September 11, 2027, instead of the previously planned November 2026. Fatah welcomed the postponement, while Hamas said the decision should lead to a serious and productive national dialogue. Rajoub, speaking on October 10, said a clear Egyptian official will existed to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP and Fatah began preliminary talks in Cairo ahead of a broader national dialogue.
• Fatah spokesman Dweleh said the consultations could last up to two days, with the wider dialogue possibly resuming on October 20.
• The talks follow Abbas's decree moving presidential and legislative elections to September 11, 2027.