Palestinian Leader Abbas Appoints Hussein al-Sheikh as Deputy Amid Succession Fears

Palestinian leaders met in Israel's West Bank to name key officials amid growing tensions. Among the highlights was Mahmoud Abbas's appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh, a close ally, as his deputy. Analysts debate whether this marks al-Sheikh as a potential successor or merely a strategic move to please Arab officials frustrated by the Palestinian leader. Meanwhile, the Gaza war and ongoing displacement have highlighted the Palestinian Authority's apparent complacency under Western-backed leadership, with some even comparing their government to a sinking ship.