Palestinian Leadership Approves Creation of Vice President Role

The Palestinian leadership has approved the establishment of a vice president position under President Mahmoud Abbas, marking a significant development amid growing calls for clarity on future leadership.

A report from the official Palestinian news agency said the decision was passed by the Palestinian Central Council, with 170 members voting in favor, one opposing, and one abstaining.

No candidate has been nominated for the role yet. The new position allows Abbas to assign duties to the vice president, dismiss them, or accept their resignation if offered.

At 89, Abbas has remained at the helm of both the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization since Yasser Arafat died in 2004. Despite years of internal and external pressure, he has resisted implementing major reforms or naming a successor.

The Palestinian Authority, backed by Western countries, holds limited administrative control in parts of the West Bank but has had no authority in Gaza since a 2007 conflict with Hamas.