According to a report published on Saturday, the health of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has significantly deteriorated, casting doubt on his capacity to carry out his responsibilities.
The Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar has cited sources within the P.A. revealing that Abbas was scheduled to undergo medical tests at a local hospital. However, due to his frail condition, doctors were compelled to treat the 88-year-old leader at the presidential palace. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the newspaper reported that Fatah's Central Committee leaders have begun discussing potential succession plans.
Abbas, who was elected in 2005 to serve a four-year term has repeatedly postponed holding elections and has not designated a successor.
Insiders within Fatah informed Al Akhbar that some leaders in the organization support Marwan Barghouti as Abbas's successor. Barghouti is a terrorist currently serving five life sentences for murder in Israel since 2004. However, the report claimed that other factions in the P.A.'s leadership question the wisdom of selecting Barghouti, citing concerns that Israel would not consent to Barghouti's release and highlighting the existence of other candidates for the position.
Israeli officials have long expressed apprehension regarding the potential collapse of Palestinian relations if Abbas were to pass away, as this scenario could lead to chaos in the West Bank and create an opportunity for Hamas to gain control.
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