Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed veteran aide Hussein al-Sheikh as the new vice-president of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), marking a significant step towards designating a successor. Although al-Sheikh’s appointment positions him as a frontrunner to succeed the 89-year-old Abbas, his popularity among Palestinians remains low, reflecting Fatah’s struggles with public perception. Amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and pressure for leadership unity, al-Sheikh’s ties with Israel and Arab allies may play a crucial role in shaping future Palestinian leadership dynamics.
