Mahmoud Abbas Names Hussein al-Sheikh as Deputy in Key Move Towards Leadership Transition

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

In a major political development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed senior official Hussein al-Sheikh as the new Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Saturday. This move is seen as an important step toward preparing a future leadership transition.

Hussein al-Sheikh, a long-time aide and trusted confidant of Abbas, currently serves as the Secretary-General of the PLO’s Executive Committee. His appointment places him in a strong position among Fatah party veterans eyeing the presidency after Abbas, who is now 89 years old.

Although the new role does not automatically make al-Sheikh the next Palestinian president, it positions him as the leading candidate to take over leadership responsibilities in the future.

President Abbas has been under mounting pressure from Western and Arab countries to reform and strengthen the Palestinian Authority. The goal is to rebuild governance structures, particularly with an eye on Gaza’s future following the recent conflict.

The PLO is internationally recognized as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and holds significant influence over the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Abbas has led both organizations for nearly 20 years, maintaining a dominant role in Palestinian political affairs.

Al-Sheikh’s promotion signals Abbas’s intention to stabilize leadership and ensure continuity during a critical time for Palestinian statehood efforts.