Mahmoud Abbas, now in his early 90s and ruling the Palestinian Authority by decree since his term expired in 2009, has advanced formal succession steps that shape trader views on any near-term departure. In 2025 he created a vice presidency and issued a constitutional declaration designating Hussein al-Sheikh as interim replacement for a renewable period if the presidency becomes vacant. At the May 2026 Fatah conference Abbas was re-elected party leader while his son Yasser gained a Central Committee seat, prompting speculation over internal power dynamics. In July 2026 Abbas scheduled long-delayed parliamentary elections for November, though past cancellations have raised doubts about implementation. These moves, combined with ongoing low domestic approval and Fatah factional pressures, frame the main variables traders weigh for resolution timing.