Abbas to establish Palestinian VP post, grants amnesty to Fatah rivals
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Foreign allies have long pushed for the appointment of a deputy to address concerns about leadership stability.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is helped to adjust his headphone for translation during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside of Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. (Alexey Maishev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas unveiled plans on Tuesday to establish a vice-presidency and grant amnesty to expelled Fatah members, as part of a broader effort to restructure the Palestinian Authority (PA). His remarks came during a Cairo summit, where Arab leaders gathered to discuss Gaza's post-war recovery and governance.
For over a decade, Abbas has faced increasing internal and external pressure to implement reforms, particularly concerning succession planning. Foreign allies have long pushed for the appointment of a deputy to address concerns about leadership stability.
In addition to this structural shift, Abbas announced a pardon for expelled Fatah members, a move seen as an attempt to foster unity within the movement ahead of potential elections.
Potential Reinstatement of Mohammed Dahlan
Among those who could benefit from the amnesty is Mohammed Dahlan, the former head of Gaza’s Preventive Security Force, now living in exile in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dahlan was expelled from Fatah in 2011 after clashing with Abbas, who accused him of corruption and plotting to overthrow the Palestinian leadership.
Since his exile, Dahlan has forged close ties with the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, positioning himself as a regional power broker. His name has repeatedly surfaced in discussions about Gaza’s post-war administration, with reports indicating that Israel has considered him as a potential candidate for governing Gaza.
In 2024, Dahlan proposed deploying Arab forces in Gaza, with financial backing from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, his longstanding ties to foreign powers and his security background make his potential return highly controversial among Palestinians, with many seeing him as a figure aligned with external agendas rather than national interests.
Abbas Pledges Elections in 2026
During his address, Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to holding presidential and legislative elections next year, contingent on favorable conditions in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied East al-Quds.
"We are fully prepared to hold general presidential and legislative elections next year, provided that the appropriate conditions are met in Gaza, the West Bank, and East al-Quds," Abbas stated.
Read more: EU urges unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza amid ceasefire dispute
The governance of post-war Gaza remains a major point of contention. Egypt has put forward a $53 billion reconstruction plan, aiming to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents. This proposal directly counters US President Donald Trump's controversial "Gaza Riviera" plan, which envisions the forced displacement of Palestinians from the enclave.
