As an eventual ceasefire deal in Gaza draws closer, the media speculate whether Mohammed Dahlan’s moment is about to arrive. Like Winston Churchill on the day he was chosen to lead Britain’s government in the Second World War, will Dahlan soon find himself saying: “I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial…”
Whether or not this is on the horizon, for the present Dahlan is content to play the well-known political game – whatever high office you are aiming for, swear that nothing is further from your thoughts.
On July 24, Dahlan posted this on his X (Twitter) account, referring to himself in the plural as the royal “we”:
. “Various scenarios have been repeatedly presented or leaked to the media regarding the arrangements for the “day after” Israel’s devastating war on Gaza. Sometimes our name is used to thrill audiences. Therefore and once again, we reiterate that… our highest priority now is to end the war. We will not support any choice that has not been reached based on Palestinian national understandings [achieved] through a transparent democratic process…I have repeatedly refused to accept any security, governmental or executive role.”
Rumors were obviously already rife. Two days after his post, they were given substance in a long article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
“The question of who will govern Gaza,” it began, “has plagued efforts to end Israel’s nine-month war to destroy Hamas…Some negotiators are increasingly drawn to Mohammed Dahlan as a temporary........