Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, aged 90, is reportedly preparing his son Yasser Abbas for a senior leadership position within Fatah, the ruling party of the Palestinian Authority. Six unnamed Palestinian officials told The New York Times that Abbas is taking this step to extend his influence. Abbas has led the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, since 2005 and has maintained tight control by sidelining rivals, limiting judicial independence, and cooperating with Israel on security matters.

Abbas’s presidential term officially ended in 2009, but he has since canceled elections and faced persistent allegations of corruption. Many Palestinians view his move to promote his son as evidence that he has no intention of loosening his grip on power or allowing new leadership to emerge. Political analyst Hani al-Masri described the situation as rule under one man’s control.

The reported succession effort comes amid growing international pressure on the Palestinian Authority to implement significant political reforms, despite internal party resistance and public discontent.