Mahmoud Abbas, who has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005 and Fatah since earlier, remains in office as of mid-2026 despite turning 90 and reports of hospitalization earlier that year. In October 2025 he issued a constitutional declaration designating Hussein al-Sheikh, PLO Executive Committee vice president, as interim successor in the event of a vacancy, following earlier interim arrangements. At the May 2026 Fatah congress Abbas was re-elected party leader and pledged eventual presidential and legislative elections, while elevating his son Yasser to the Central Committee. Low public support for leading candidates, the PA’s legitimacy challenges, and the absence of scheduled elections or a firm exit timeline continue to shape expectations around any near-term departure.