Mahmoud Abbas, now in his early 90s, continues to lead the Palestinian Authority and Fatah without signs of imminent departure, despite repeated polls showing 80 percent or more of Palestinians favoring his resignation. He formalized a succession framework in late 2025 designating Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh as interim leader for up to 180 days pending elections if a vacancy occurs. Abbas secured re-election as Fatah head in May 2026, elevated his son Yasser to the central committee, and issued decrees scheduling legislative elections for November 28, 2026, with presidential voting slated for 2027. Recent activity includes Cairo talks with Egyptian President Sisi on September 16, 2026, focused on Gaza and reconciliation, alongside another U.S. visa denial for the UN General Assembly. Historical postponements, internal Fatah rivalries involving figures such as Marwan Barghouti and Mohammed Dahlan, and questions over whether elections will occur on schedule remain central variables for any near-term leadership change.