Abbas Appoints Hussein al-Sheikh as PLO Vice President, Likely Successor

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, 89, has appointed longtime confidant and veteran Fatah politician Hussein al-Sheikh as vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), positioning him as the likely successor and addressing international concerns about leadership succession. While the move establishes al-Sheikh as a front-runner to eventually lead both the PLO and Palestinian Authority, it does not guarantee his ascension, as further approvals and potential elections would be required. The appointment comes amid pressure from Western and Arab allies for reforms in the Palestinian Authority, especially as discussions intensify over Gaza’s governance after the ongoing war. Al-Sheikh, known for his pragmatic approach and ties with Israel, faces skepticism among Palestinians, many of whom see Fatah’s leadership as corrupt and disconnected. Critics argue that the closed-door decision process and lack of broad public support could undermine efforts to unify and reform Palestinian leadership. The development highlights the complex internal politics and external pressures shaping the Palestinian succession debate.