Palestinian Leader Abbas Turns 90, Weakened by Israel and Unpopular Among Palestinians
At 90, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas struggles with unmet election promises, Israeli restrictions, and waning popularity.
Cairo: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas celebrates his 90th birthday on Saturday, holding onto power in the West Bank yet weakened by Israel's control and deeply unpopular among Palestinians.
For nearly two decades, Abbas has ruled without elections, leaving Palestinians without a leader as they face an existential crisis with hopes for statehood fading.
For over 20 years, Abbas has maintained his position despite not holding elections or effectively governing large parts of the Palestinian territories.
Critics argue that this lack of leadership exacerbates the challenges facing Palestinians and diminishes their prospects for self-determination.
The United States, aligned with Israel, supports a governance structure in Gaza that marginalizes Abbas' Palestinian Authority (PA).
The PA's control is limited to small areas within the West Bank, where it faces accusations of corruption and authoritarian rule.
Abbas rarely ventures from his Ramallah headquarters and has centralized decision-making among a small inner circle.
Despite widespread calls for reform, including from within his own party, Abbas' administration remains embroiled in controversies such as financial mismanagement and political repression.
In recent years, Israel's right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has pursued policies that undermine the PA's authority.
Netanyahu seeks to annex parts of the West Bank, an action that would eliminate any possibility of a Palestinian state.
This strategy is bolstered by settlement expansion and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians.
The international community is divided on how to address these developments.
While some countries extend diplomatic recognition to the PA as a precursor to recognizing a Palestinian state, their actions do not translate into effective pressure on Israel to end its occupation or reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians.
Abbas' leadership has faced scrutiny for its cooperation with Israel, particularly in security matters, which critics argue makes it complicit in the Israeli occupation.
At the same time, Abbas is accused of stifling political dissent and alternative leadership movements among Palestinians, exacerbating their disaffection.
Despite these challenges, Abbas has made some gestures towards reform, including promises to hold elections once the conflict with Israel subsides.
However, many Palestinians express skepticism about his intentions, favoring alternatives such as Marwan Barghouti, a prominent figure from Fatah currently imprisoned by Israel.
As Palestinians face heightened Israeli control and divided governance, their political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty.
Abbas' 90th birthday marks not only the milestone of two decades in power but also a critical juncture for the Palestinian cause, which continues to grapple with the absence of unity, leadership, and hope for statehood.
For nearly two decades, Abbas has ruled without elections, leaving Palestinians without a leader as they face an existential crisis with hopes for statehood fading.
For over 20 years, Abbas has maintained his position despite not holding elections or effectively governing large parts of the Palestinian territories.
Critics argue that this lack of leadership exacerbates the challenges facing Palestinians and diminishes their prospects for self-determination.
The United States, aligned with Israel, supports a governance structure in Gaza that marginalizes Abbas' Palestinian Authority (PA).
The PA's control is limited to small areas within the West Bank, where it faces accusations of corruption and authoritarian rule.
Abbas rarely ventures from his Ramallah headquarters and has centralized decision-making among a small inner circle.
Despite widespread calls for reform, including from within his own party, Abbas' administration remains embroiled in controversies such as financial mismanagement and political repression.
In recent years, Israel's right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has pursued policies that undermine the PA's authority.
Netanyahu seeks to annex parts of the West Bank, an action that would eliminate any possibility of a Palestinian state.
This strategy is bolstered by settlement expansion and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians.
The international community is divided on how to address these developments.
While some countries extend diplomatic recognition to the PA as a precursor to recognizing a Palestinian state, their actions do not translate into effective pressure on Israel to end its occupation or reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians.
Abbas' leadership has faced scrutiny for its cooperation with Israel, particularly in security matters, which critics argue makes it complicit in the Israeli occupation.
At the same time, Abbas is accused of stifling political dissent and alternative leadership movements among Palestinians, exacerbating their disaffection.
Despite these challenges, Abbas has made some gestures towards reform, including promises to hold elections once the conflict with Israel subsides.
However, many Palestinians express skepticism about his intentions, favoring alternatives such as Marwan Barghouti, a prominent figure from Fatah currently imprisoned by Israel.
As Palestinians face heightened Israeli control and divided governance, their political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty.
Abbas' 90th birthday marks not only the milestone of two decades in power but also a critical juncture for the Palestinian cause, which continues to grapple with the absence of unity, leadership, and hope for statehood.
