Dahlan emerges as Hamas bridge to Trump administration, rattling Palestinian Authority

Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled former Fatah security chief, has emerged as a key intermediary between Hamas, Egypt, Gulf states, and the Trump administration, causing concern within the Palestinian Authority (PA). Dahlan's growing influence stems from his strong ties across the Arab world and his involvement in implementing the next phase of the U.S. plan to end the Gaza war. PA officials were surprised by U.S. envoy Jared Kushner's meeting with senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, which Dahlan also attended. Hamas has publicly confirmed meetings with Dahlan's Democratic Reform Current, discussing negotiations and planned Palestinian elections, and even raising the possibility of a "broad national alliance" including Hamas and Dahlan's faction. This rapprochement could offer Hamas a path toward political legitimacy and participation in a broader Palestinian political framework, while providing Dahlan a route back to the center of Palestinian politics without reconciling with the PA. The PA fears marginalization and the emergence of a new political model where Dahlan and Hamas could form an alternative to the existing leadership, with one senior PA official stating, "Dahlan is the person talking to Hamas and trying to become a significant player."