The Egyptian capital, Cairo, is hosting meetings on Wednesday and Thursday bringing together leaders from Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine to discuss ways to end internal division and strengthen national unity.
The meetings, part of a new round of national dialogue, are addressing the possibility of Hamas and Islamic Jihad joining the Palestine Liberation Organization, as well as discussing the political understandings needed to prepare the atmosphere for holding Palestinian elections.
The meetings coincide with a decree issued by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas last Saturday calling for simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on 11 September 2027, based on a decision by the PLO Executive Committee.
The new date replaces the previous date set for 28 November 2026 for legislative council elections alone.
