Abbas Appoints Fatah Ally to Replace Former Prime Minister Hamdallah

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Mohammad Shtyyeh, a long-time ally in leadership of the Fatah faction and senior personality in the PA, to succeed Dr. Rami Hamdallah, who recently resigned the post of prime minister. Abbas is viewed as seizing the opportunity to surround himself with allies as political opponents continue to press for his resignation. Abbas was elected to a four-year term in 2004 and has remained in the president’s chair following the bifurcation of Fatah-governed West Bank and Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. The two halves of the Palestinian people have, despite the signing of several reconciliation agreements, been unable to agree on parameters for national elections and rapprochement that would allow serious preparation for statehood to proceed. In addition to Hamas supporters, Abbas is under pressure to step aside from younger Palestinians who would believe new blood is needed to replace the octogenarian.