Palestinian Authority Struggles as Abbas Appoints Deputy Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The recent appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as deputy to Mahmoud Abbas by the Palestinian Authority highlights a leadership perceived as disconnected from the pressing realities faced by Palestinians amidst ongoing violence and displacement due to the war in Gaza.

Palestinian leaders convened this week in the Israeli-occupied West Bank for their first significant meeting in years, centered around the appointment of a new deputy by Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority. On Saturday, Abbas officially named Hussein al-Sheikh, a long-time associate, to the position, an act interpreted by some analysts as an indication of Abbas's chosen successor. Yet, others argue it represents a superficial adjustment, aiming to calm Arab officials who have expressed dissatisfaction with Abbas's leadership.

For many Palestinians, this maneuver highlights a concerning trend of prioritizing internal leadership dynamics while the situation on the ground deteriorates. Current conflicts in Gaza, including a sweeping Israeli military offensive that has led to the displacement of tens of thousands, are overshadowed by what critics describe as political fixation on succession and power within the Palestinian Authority.

Ghaith al-Omari, a former advisor to Abbas, poignantly described the prevailing sentiment: “The ship is sinking, and everyone’s fighting over who’s going to be seated at what table.” The humanitarian toll of this conflict is staggering, with local health officials estimating more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths as Israel's military actions against Hamas unfold following the group’s October 7 attack that resulted in significant casualties and hostages.

This ongoing crisis has shone a harsh light on the relevance and effectiveness of the Palestinian Authority, which is struggling to assert its position as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in a rapidly changing and violent landscape.