Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, 89, has named Rawhi Fattouh, the chairman of the Palestinian National Council, as his temporary successor in case of his death or resignation. Fattouh, who briefly served as interim leader after the death of Yasser Arafat in 2004, would assume the presidency for up to 90 days, during which time presidential elections would be organized. This move addresses concerns about a potential power vacuum when Abbas, who has faced health issues, eventually steps down.
Despite naming an interim leader, Abbas has not appointed a deputy, which leaves uncertainty about his long-term replacement. The absence of a clear successor has fueled speculation about who will take over the leadership of the Palestinian Authority once Abbas leaves office. The Palestinian president has been in power since 2005, after being elected for a four-year term. However, no presidential election has been held since then, leading to frustration among many Palestinians.
A recent opinion poll revealed that 89% of West Bank Palestinians want Abbas to resign, highlighting the deep unpopularity he faces. The appointment of Fattouh may offer some temporary clarity, but the lack of a permanent deputy means that questions about the future of Palestinian leadership remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have warned that they would take control of the West Bank if any individual affiliated with Hamas attempts to assume the presidency, further complicating the political landscape.
The announcement comes as Abbas faces increasing pressure both domestically and internationally to step down, but with no clear successor, the future of the Palestinian leadership remains uncertain.
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