Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has nominated Rawhi Fattouh as his potential successor in case he is unable to continue in his post due to poor health. This decision comes as criticism against Abbas and his presidency intensifies amidst Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. Abbas, who also leads the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, has been the president of the PA since 2005.
The PA was established under the 1993 Oslo Accords to govern Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Despite failing to bring about Palestinian statehood as originally intended, the PA has continued, with Abbas remaining in power even though his term technically ended in 2009. Abbas avoids holding parliamentary and presidential elections, fearing his party Fatah may lose to Hamas.
Rawhi Fattouh, chosen by Abbas as his successor, serves as the former speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the current speaker of the Palestinian National Council. If Abbas is unable to continue as president, Fattouh will assume the presidency for 90 days until elections can be held.
Abbas’s decision to nominate a successor was reportedly influenced by pressure from the US and Gulf states. Saudi Arabia, along with other countries, has been pushing for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and pledged financial aid to the cash-strapped PA.
While Abbas holds power within Fatah and the PLO, he has ensured that his confidant Hussein al-Sheikh will succeed him as head of the PLO. The PA, seen as a service provider, is considered less important than the PLO in Palestinian politics. Abbas’s succession planning and influence within these organizations highlight his continued role in shaping Palestinian politics.
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