Behind the scenes of the Kushner meeting: The key figure bringing Hamas closer - and the fear in the Palestinian Authority
Jared Kushner met in Egypt with Khalil al-Hayya and Mohammed Dahlan, whose role in talks regarding the future of Gaza is growing. Dahlan is acting as a bridge between Hamas and regional actors, promoting a "broad alliance" ahead of upcoming elections. In the Palestinian Authority, there are growing concerns that this will lead to the creation of a "Hamastan" under the guise of Dahlan.
In recent weeks, Mohammed Dahlan has become a central name in discussions regarding the future of the Gaza Strip. This is due not only to his extensive ties in the Arab world but also to the political and organizational infrastructure he maintains in the enclave. Dahlan currently plays an increasingly significant role at the intersection of interests between Hamas, Egypt, the Gulf states, and the U.S. administration, particularly concerning the implementation of the next phase of the Trump plan to end the war.
In the Palestinian Authority (PA), there was surprise and disappointment regarding the meeting between U.S. envoy Jared Kushner and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, in which Dahlan also participated. Despite being an official member of the PLO, Dahlan is collaborating with Hamas, granting the organization legitimacy as a political movement prepared to participate in elections amidst the PA's collapse. Dahlan, a long-time ally of the UAE, likely represents their interests in the struggle against Qatar for influence in the Strip. The PLO, led by 91-year-old Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) and the imprisoned Marwan Barghouti, lacks a credible candidate to challenge him.
Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the meeting with Hamas representatives during his conversation with Kushner, labeling them the "architects of October 7." Meanwhile, Hamas has publicly confirmed a series of meetings with figures associated with Dahlan. Senior Hamas official Husam Badran stated that these contacts addressed negotiations, the Palestinian elections scheduled for late November, and the possibility of establishing a "broad national alliance" including Hamas, Dahlan's faction, and independent figures.
The political significance of these contacts extends beyond the current conflict. If Hamas integrates into the Palestinian political system, Dahlan could serve as its primary bridge to the Arab and Western worlds. For Hamas, this represents an opportunity to gradually transition from an isolated organization managing the Strip into a broader political framework.
The rapprochement between Dahlan and Hamas is occurring alongside American efforts to settle the situation in Gaza. Hamas has already announced its agreement with the second phase of the roadmap, which includes the withdrawal of IDF troops, the expansion of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a national committee to govern the Strip. Dahlan has also reported that an agreement has been reached with Israel to halt strikes, urging Palestinian factions to refrain from provocations.
In the Palestinian Authority, there is growing concern over these developments. A senior source in Ramallah stated that the fear lies in the emergence of a new political model where Hamas and Dahlan become an alternative to the existing PLO structures. "If Israel did not want a 'Fatahstan,' as Netanyahu said, the question is whether it will eventually get a 'Hamastan' in the form of Dahlan," the source concluded.
