UPDATE: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas turns 90 years old today, continuing to hold power in a fragmented political landscape while facing severe unpopularity among Palestinians. As the world’s second-oldest serving president, Abbas’s grip on authority is increasingly challenged amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
New reports confirm that Abbas, who has been in office for 20 years, has not held elections during his tenure. His leadership is viewed as ineffective, leaving Palestinians feeling leaderless and marginalized at a critical time for their aspirations of statehood. An October poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research revealed that a staggering 80% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza desire Abbas to resign.
Critics argue that the current situation is dire, with Abbas’s authority severely undermined by Israel’s military actions against Hamas, which many Palestinians characterize as genocide. Israel continues to tighten its hold on the West Bank, where settler violence is escalating and discussions of annexation threaten any remaining hopes for Palestinian statehood. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to weaken the Palestinian Authority (PA) and prevent any viable peace negotiations.
“His legitimacy was depleted long ago,” said Khalil Shikaki, head of the People’s Company for Polls and Survey Research. “He has become a liability to his own party and for the Palestinians as a whole.”
Abbas’s failure to engage with the Palestinian population has intensified calls for a new leadership. Many believe he has become a puppet of Israeli interests, further exacerbating the Palestinian plight. The PA’s reliance on security cooperation with Israel has drawn criticism, as it is perceived to suppress legitimate resistance against occupation while Israel expands settlements.
Amid this turmoil, Abbas’s recent gestures toward reform, including promises to hold legislative elections and establish a new constitution in collaboration with French President Emmanuel Macron, have not quelled skepticism. A majority of 60% of Palestinians doubt he will follow through on electoral commitments, and a significant number express support for imprisoned leader Marwan Barghouti over Abbas.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, the international community watches closely. Abbas’s inability to assert control or provide a viable alternative to Hamas’s governance in Gaza raises concerns about the future of Palestinian representation. The U.S. has reportedly backed efforts to establish an international council to oversee Gaza post-conflict, sidelining Abbas and his administration.
With Israel withholding around $3 billion in tax revenues owed to the PA, the financial strain on Abbas’s government worsens, pushing it closer to collapse. Critics argue that without genuine democratic processes, the Palestinian people will remain voiceless, with their aspirations for statehood further out of reach.
As Abbas marks his birthday, the question looms: Can he reclaim his legitimacy in the eyes of a disillusioned populace? With pressure mounting from within and outside the Palestinian territories, the coming days will be crucial in deciding the fate of his leadership and the Palestinian push for statehood.
