In the coming years, the path to electing a new president for a prospective Palestinian state could unfold, marking a significant shift in leadership. This transition comes as current authorities face the challenge of addressing the longstanding criticisms directed at them.

Presently, Hussein al-Sheikh stands at the helm, a long-time aide who must navigate through the murky waters of public disapproval. His leadership has been scrutinized for perceived inefficacies, including the failure to conduct promised elections and accusations of cooperating with Israel in suppressing unrest in the West Bank.

Al-Sheikh is described as a figure with the potential to bridge the divides among Palestinian factions. His supporters argue that he possesses the credibility and popularity necessary to garner collective support for a movement that could fulfill not only the objectives of international peace plans but also the aspirations of a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian leader, continues to hold a significant place in the public’s heart despite his incarceration in Israel since 2002. His enduring popularity underscores the complex political landscape within which any new leadership must navigate.

Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has remained a popular political figure despite his imprisonment in Israel since 2002. Source: Getty / Uriel Sinai

In 2002, he was jailed for allegedly orchestrating attacks against Israelis and two years later was convicted of murdering five people. He was sentenced to five consecutive life terms plus another 40 years in jail.

Despite his imprisonment, Saikal described him as a unifying figure with a popular following comparable to that of Nelson Mandela, an activist and former president of South Africa who spent time in jail.

Calls for his release

“If Trump actually insists on it, there’s no doubt that Trump will get his way, and Barghouti will be released,” Parmeter said.

“His support of the Palestinian cause and the degree of moderation that he has injected into the whole Palestinian nationalist movement make him also a very credible candidate,” he said.

Hamas leader in contention

“Hamas is not an entity that the Israelis are prepared to have play any role in the governance of Gaza,” he said.

A Hamas spokesperson recently said the group would disarm if a Palestinian state was created.

PA president faces declining popularity, health issues

Abbas also reportedly has “health issues”, which have prompted him to rely more on his colleagues, according to Saikal.

“Its leader [Abbas] is seen as weak and ineffectual, and it [PA] is riddled with corruption.”

Future president to face ‘enormous challenges’

“Trump notoriously doesn’t have a large attention span. And if he loses interest in this issue, we could go back to essentially where we were before the 20-point plan was announced, which really would be further Israeli attacks and occupation of Gaza.”