Mahmoud Abbas nominates successor amid health concerns
- Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, has appointed Rawhi Fattouh as an interim successor due to health concerns.
- Abbas has faced increasing pressure from international entities for a renewed commitment to peace negotiations.
- The nomination signals an attempt to stabilize the PA and prepare for a future leadership transition amidst ongoing political challenges.
In the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, aged 89, has nominated Rawhi Fattouh as his successor in case he is unable to continue his duties due to health issues. Abbas has been president since 2005, following the death of Yasser Arafat. The political landscape has changed significantly since Abbas took office; most notably, in 2006, Hamas won control of the PA, leading to significant financial strain due to withheld funding from Western donors who insisted Hamas recognize Israel. Abbas has continued to lead the PA and Fatah, the oldest Palestinian political party, while delaying anticipated elections, citing obstacles related to voting in Jerusalem that were imposed by Israel. This delay in elections has resulted in flushing public dissatisfaction toward Abbas's leadership, where public support for him has diminished as political circumstances evolve. Recently, the motivation behind Abbas nominating a successor appears to be influenced by pressure from the United States and Gulf states advocating for renewed discussions concerning a two-state solution. This pressure has come in the wake of trilateral efforts by Saudi Arabia and other nations aiming to reinvigorate peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Failure to address rising discontent among Palestinians, caused in part by stalled statehood efforts and Israeli settlement expansion, presents a dilemma for Abbas, who seeks to maintain authority while also considering the political future post-Abbas. Abbas's careful planning includes ensuring that his close allies are positioned for leadership within Fatah and the PLO. By appointing Hussein al-Sheikh as secretary-general of the PLO and filling its council with his loyalist, Abbas hopes to secure a continuation of his political vision that prioritizes negotiations with Israel, even while facing robust opposition from Hamas and other factions that reject his approach. Concerns remain high regarding the governance structure in case of a transition during such a tumultuous period for the Palestinian people.