Palestinian factions concluded a round of talks in Cairo on Friday evening and agreed to hold a comprehensive national dialogue conference under Egyptian auspices, with Egypt to send invitations to 14 factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Arab News reported. Fatah delegation head Jibril Rajoub said his movement presented a seven-point initiative built on the PLO political program, a central government to manage the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and one authority, one law and one weapon, and that Fatah is open to bringing the legislative and presidential elections forward if the conference reaches common agreements. A Hamas official called the discussions fruitful and serious, and Rajoub warned that continued settler attacks in the West Bank could lead to an explosion.
Palestinian factions agree in Cairo on national dialogue conference
Palestinian factions meeting in Cairo have agreed to hold a comprehensive national dialogue conference under Egyptian auspices, and Fatah says it is open to bringing forward legislative and presidential elections if the conference reaches agreement.
Why it matters: A conference that brings Hamas and Islamic Jihad into talks on one government for the West Bank and Gaza would be the first agreed step in years toward ending the Palestinian political division and holding elections.
Data as of Saturday, October 17, 2026, 03:44 ET. Developing item. Arab News report published October 17, 2026 and read in full; it relays statements by Fatah delegation head Jibril Rajoub and spokesman Munther al-Hayek to Al-Sharq and an unnamed Hamas official, with no Egyptian statement or joint communique at the time of writing, hence grade C.