Palestinian president names Hussein al-Sheikh vice-president of PLO and his likely successor

Mahmoud Abbas appointed Hussein al-Sheikh as vice-president of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), elevating a key ally to a pivotal position that could bolster Fatah’s image without guaranteeing him the presidency. Though al-Sheikh may remain the frontrunner among PLO leadership, his current popularity is declining among Palestinians, and his support for Israel complicates efforts to unite Palestinian factions like Hamas.