Mahmoud Abbas Appoints Successor Amid Health Concerns

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, citing his health issues, has appointed Roohhi Fattouh as his successor in case he becomes unable to continue his duties. Fattouh, the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a member of the Fatah Central Committee, will serve as president for up to 90 days until new elections can be held, similar to the process followed after Yasser Arafat’s death in 2004.

Abbas, who is 89, has faced significant criticism over his handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 100,000 injuries in the past year. This pressure, along with demands from the US and Arab nations, led to his decision to name a successor.

Experts suggest that Fattouh is not seeking power for himself and will ensure a peaceful transfer of authority once elections are held. The appointment comes after Saudi Arabia set conditions for releasing the final tranche of a $60 million aid package, demanding Abbas designate his successor as a precondition.

This move is seen as a response to the mounting political and financial pressures on the Palestinian Authority, with both Arab nations and European countries calling for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution.