Leaders of Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political movement, have convened their first major conference in a decade to elect members to their highest decision-making bodies. The gathering, taking place at a critical juncture for the Palestinian cause, aims to project an image of unity and reform. However, the proceedings are overshadowed by widespread public dissatisfaction and a sense of political stagnation.

Mahmoud Abbas, the 90-year-old Palestinian President and long-time leader of Fatah, was re-elected as the head of the movement. During the conference, he pledged to hold the first presidential and parliamentary elections in two decades, though he did not provide a specific timeline. Abbas emphasized the importance of the gathering, stating that holding it “on our homeland’s soil confirms our determination to continue on the democratic path.” This comes as the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Fatah, faces mounting pressure from international partners, including the US, EU, and Arab nations, to implement reforms and conduct elections amidst accusations of corruption and declining legitimacy.

The political landscape has been significantly altered since Fatah’s last conference in 2016. The ongoing devastating war in Gaza, triggered by the Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and deepened Palestinian suffering. Simultaneously, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, deemed illegal under international law, continues to undermine the PA’s authority and territorial control. Compounding these challenges, Israel has withheld significant tax revenues from the PA, citing disputes over educational materials and stipends for families of individuals imprisoned or killed by Israel, leading to severe financial strain and reduced public services.

Public opinion polls reveal deep-seated frustration with Fatah and President Abbas, with a significant majority expressing a desire for his resignation. Many Palestinians feel the party has lost its way, becoming detached from its revolutionary roots and increasingly focused on bureaucratic survival rather than national liberation. Concerns about cronyism, corruption, and continued security coordination with Israel further fuel public anger. Adding to the controversy, the president’s eldest son, Yasser Abbas, a businessman, is running for a senior party position for the first time, sparking accusations of nepotism and underlining the perceived disconnect between the party elite and the Palestinian populace. Despite these challenges, some activists, like Fatah member Samah al-Rawagh speaking from Gaza, express hope for renewal, emphasizing Fatah’s resilience and commitment to unity across all Palestinian territories.