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Hamas to run 2026 Palestinian election, first in 20 years

8/13/2026

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Husam Badran, a Hamas political bureau member, said Hamas will run in the November 28, 2026 Legislative Council election, the first such vote in 20 years.
He added Hamas may join a broad coalition that could include a new party or exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan.
Badran called the vote a chance to end decades of unilateral decision-making, emphasizing Hamas will keep focusing on al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem.

History

Historical Context

On 25 January 2006 the Hamas Change and Reform list captured 74 of 132 PLC seats (44.5% of the vote), ending Fatah’s decade-long dominance and sparking the 2007 Gaza-West Bank split and international sanctions. The shift cemented Ismail Haniyeh’s premiership under President Mahmoud Abbas. In 2026 Husam Badran announced Hamas will again contest the council, echoing that breakthrough.

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Story summary

Husam Badran, a Hamas political bureau member, said Hamas will run in the November 28, 2026 Legislative Council election, the first such vote in 20 years.
He added Hamas may join a broad coalition that could include a new party or exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan.
Badran called the vote a chance to end decades of unilateral decision-making, emphasizing Hamas will keep focusing on al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem.

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