Hussein al-Sheikh appointed Deputy to Abbas, PLO

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior figure in the Fatah movement and longtime confidant, as deputy chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and vice president of the Palestinian Authority (PA), positioning him as the likely successor. This move comes amid mounting international and regional pressure for reforms within the widely criticized PLO, as well as calls for a stronger Palestinian Authority role in post-war Gaza governance. Al-Sheikh's appointment was praised by Saudi Arabia and comes as he prepares for a diplomatic trip to Riyadh, highlighting Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in Palestinian diplomacy and potential regional peace initiatives. However, the decision has faced criticism from Hamas and other Palestinian factions, who question the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the process. The appointment is widely seen as an attempt to solidify leadership succession and address governance concerns as Abbas, now 89, faces questions about his political future. Al-Sheikh's new role could significantly impact Palestinian leadership dynamics and future peace negotiations.