Fatah officials believe that Mahmoud Abbas is likely to postpone the elections, with Hussein al-Sheikh pushing for the decision and citing difficulties in Gaza and East Jerusalem.
The real reason, however, may be Abbas’s concern that elections could strengthen Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan and create a new balance of power in the Palestinian arena.
Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are facing an American initiative aimed at reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East.
The capture of Hamas’s internal security chief in the heart of Gaza City is more than a successful operation.
It is a strategic message underscoring that Israel is not returning to full-scale war, but is also not allowing Hamas to exploit the ceasefire to rebuild its military capabilities.
The devastating blow suffered by Hamas’ leadership in the Gaza Strip has accelerated the organization’s strategic shift toward Istanbul.
From there, its external leadership is now managing diplomatic relations, fundraising, and organizational activities, presenting Israel and the West with a new strategic challenge.
Within the Palestinian arena, growing questions are being raised over why Tehran insists on including Lebanon in any arrangement with Washington while leaving Hamas and the Gaza Strip outside the framework.
Israeli security officials assess that this reflects a strategic decision by Iran, one that places Hezbollah at the top of the “Axis of Resistance” priorities.
The killing of the head of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza is viewed in Israel as a significant intelligence and operational achievement. However, assessments indicate that Hamas will continue to reject disarmament demands and will move quickly to appoint a successor in order to project continuity and sustain the struggle against Israel.
While the confrontation with Iran and developments along the northern front occupy both Israel and the United States, Hamas is exploiting the diplomatic stalemate to delay demands for its disarmament.
At the same time, it is working to consolidate its governance in the Gaza Strip, rebuild its military capabilities, and continue terrorist activity against IDF forces, with the aim of preserving its position ahead of the next phase of the regional conflict.
Behind Turkey’s mediation initiatives between the United States and Iran, as well as in other arenas, officials in Jerusalem and Western capitals identify a broader strategy aimed at managing regional risks, strengthening Turkey’s international standing, and advancing a neo-Ottoman vision. At its core stands President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ambition to establish Turkey as an unavoidable regional power.
The Lebanon Model in Gaza
Hamas is working to remain the dominant military force in the Gaza Strip behind the scenes, alongside a formal civilian administration, in order to ensure full control for years to come.
Behind the scenes of Hamas’s internal elections, Iran has identified Khalil al-Hayya as a key figure in the movement’s leadership, one capable of preserving deterrence and sustaining the armed struggle against Israel.
Fatah officials believe that Mahmoud Abbas is likely to postpone the elections, with Hussein al-Sheikh pushing for the decision and citing difficulties in Gaza and East Jerusalem.
The real reason, however, may be Abbas’s concern that elections could strengthen Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan and create a new balance of power in the Palestinian arena.
Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are facing an American initiative aimed at reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East.
The capture of Hamas’s internal security chief in the heart of Gaza City is more than a successful operation.
It is a strategic message underscoring that Israel is not returning to full-scale war, but is also not allowing Hamas to exploit the ceasefire to rebuild its military capabilities.
The devastating blow suffered by Hamas’ leadership in the Gaza Strip has accelerated the organization’s strategic shift toward Istanbul.
From there, its external leadership is now managing diplomatic relations, fundraising, and organizational activities, presenting Israel and the West with a new strategic challenge.
Within the Palestinian arena, growing questions are being raised over why Tehran insists on including Lebanon in any arrangement with Washington while leaving Hamas and the Gaza Strip outside the framework.
Israeli security officials assess that this reflects a strategic decision by Iran, one that places Hezbollah at the top of the “Axis of Resistance” priorities.
The killing of the head of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza is viewed in Israel as a significant intelligence and operational achievement. However, assessments indicate that Hamas will continue to reject disarmament demands and will move quickly to appoint a successor in order to project continuity and sustain the struggle against Israel.
While the confrontation with Iran and developments along the northern front occupy both Israel and the United States, Hamas is exploiting the diplomatic stalemate to delay demands for its disarmament.
At the same time, it is working to consolidate its governance in the Gaza Strip, rebuild its military capabilities, and continue terrorist activity against IDF forces, with the aim of preserving its position ahead of the next phase of the regional conflict.
Behind Turkey’s mediation initiatives between the United States and Iran, as well as in other arenas, officials in Jerusalem and Western capitals identify a broader strategy aimed at managing regional risks, strengthening Turkey’s international standing, and advancing a neo-Ottoman vision. At its core stands President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ambition to establish Turkey as an unavoidable regional power.
The Lebanon Model in Gaza
Hamas is working to remain the dominant military force in the Gaza Strip behind the scenes, alongside a formal civilian administration, in order to ensure full control for years to come.
Behind the scenes of Hamas’s internal elections, Iran has identified Khalil al-Hayya as a key figure in the movement’s leadership, one capable of preserving deterrence and sustaining the armed struggle against Israel.
