Mahmoud Abbas, the current president of the Palestinian Authority (PA), has nominated Rawhi Fattouh as his potential successor. The move comes in response to growing pressure amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s military actions have led to a devastating toll on Palestinian lives, including more than 44,000 deaths and countless injuries. Abbas, who is 89 years old and also heads the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), has faced increasing criticism of his leadership during this crisis.
Abbas, who has served as the president of the PA since 2005, has not named a successor before, making this a significant political move. The decision raises questions about the future of Palestinian leadership, particularly in light of his declining health. Abbas, whose term technically ended in 2009, has avoided elections out of fear that his party, Fatah, might lose to Hamas, the rival Palestinian faction.
What Is the Palestinian Authority?
The PA was established under the Oslo Accords in 1993 as an interim governing body for Palestinians in the occupied territories of Gaza and parts of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The PA was meant to provide basic services such as education, security, and utilities under Israeli occupation. However, despite the intention to lead to Palestinian statehood, Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the West Bank and political challenges have hindered these goals, leaving the PA in a position of limited control.
Why Is Abbas Nominating a Successor Now?
Abbas’s decision to nominate Rawhi Fattouh, a seasoned Palestinian politician, is largely influenced by international pressure, especially from the United States and Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been pushing for a two-state solution and has conditioned financial aid to the PA on Abbas selecting a successor. Fattouh, who is the former speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a member of Fatah’s Central Committee, is not seen as someone with personal political ambitions. He is expected to serve as an interim leader, stepping down once new elections are held.
This move also addresses concerns within the PA, which has been financially struggling due to Israel’s withholding of funds owed under the Oslo Accords. The US and Gulf nations, seeking stability in the Palestinian leadership, have been pressuring Abbas to make this decision to ensure continuity of governance in the event of his departure.
Does Abbas Still Hold Power in Palestinian Politics?
While Abbas is set to designate a successor for the PA presidency, his influence remains considerable, especially within the PLO and Fatah. As head of the PLO, which holds more sway than the PA, Abbas controls a larger political framework that represents Palestinians internationally. He has also groomed a successor within Fatah, Mahmoud al-Aloul, who is positioned to take over once Abbas steps down.
Furthermore, Abbas has secured his close ally Hussein al-Sheikh as the likely successor to head the PLO, ensuring that his political circle continues to hold key leadership roles within the organization. Though the PA presidency is less coveted, as it mainly deals with day-to-day administration, Abbas’s grip on the PLO and Fatah underscores his continued influence in Palestinian politics.
