RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday named a veteran aide and confidant as his new vice president. It’s a major step by the aging leader to designate a successor.

On Saturday night, Mr. Abbas formally named Hussein al-Sheikh, a close confidant, as his deputy. Some analysts believed Mr. al-Sheikh’s promotion indicated that Mr. Abbas, 89, was signaling that ...

Concern is growing within the Palestinian Liberation Organization that Israel might exploit Abbas’s departure.

The appointment makes the 64-year-old al-Sheikh the front-runner to one day succeed 89-year-old Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, though that isn't guaranteed. The position is among the recent ...

Palestinian Authority Civil Affairs Minister Hussein Al-Sheikh speaks to The Media Line in his office in Ramallah. (photo credit: THE MEDIA LINE) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas named close ...

Sheikh, 64, is a veteran leader of Abbas's Fatah movement, which dominates the Palestinian Authority [File: Mohamed Hossam/EPA] Published On 27 Apr 202527 Apr 2025 Fatah veteran Hussein al-Sheikh ...

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed a close aide as the first-ever vice-president of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on Saturday, positioning him as a potential successor to ...

As Abbas' point man with Israel, al-Sheikh is responsible for arranging coveted travel permits for Palestinians, including VIP leaders, giving him an important lever of power over his rivals.

The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia will also include Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian President ...