Sat Apr 26 19:06:50 UTC 2025: ## Abbas Appoints Close Aide as PLO Vice President Amidst Gaza Crisis and Calls for Reform

**Ramallah, Palestine –** Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Hussein al-Sheikh as the new deputy president of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), creating a position designed to address leadership succession and bolster the organization’s role in the wake of the Gaza conflict. The announcement was made Saturday by PLO Executive Committee member Wasel Abu Yousef.

Al-Sheikh, a 64-year-old veteran of Abbas’s Fatah movement and a key figure in security coordination with Israel, is considered a close confidant of the 89-year-old president. His appointment follows years of international pressure for PLO reform and comes as Arab and Western powers seek an expanded role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza’s post-war governance.

The creation of the vice presidency was approved earlier this week during the 32nd session of the Palestinian Central Council in Ramallah. During the session, Abbas reiterated his commitment to a national dialogue aimed at reconciliation between Palestinian factions and outlined plans to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. These plans include securing humanitarian aid, restoring full Palestinian control over Gaza, and ultimately achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal as a step towards establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Analysts suggest the new position is a strategic move to prepare for a succession plan for Abbas. Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, highlighted al-Sheikh’s extensive experience and close relationship with Israel, suggesting a pragmatic approach to future negotiations. Aref Jaffal, director of the Al-Marsad Election Monitoring Center, echoed this sentiment, stating the appointment is a prelude to establishing a successor to Abbas.

The PLO Executive Committee is scheduled to meet next Saturday to appoint a new secretary-general. The appointment of al-Sheikh as vice president marks a significant development in Palestinian politics, shaping the future of the PLO and the ongoing efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Read More