Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas cemented his control over his political party, Fatah, on Sunday after 18 politicians loyal to him won spots on its powerful Central Committee. The vote capped a six-day conference of the party, which also saw a former West Bank security chief receive a boost as a potential successor to Abbas. He has new legitimacy inside Fatah for his leadership,” said Ghassan Khatib, a former spokesman for the Palestinian Authority. Domestic public opinion favors a new leader for the Palestinian Authority. At home, Abbas has faced riots in West Bank refugee camps by former Fatah militants who say they’ve been neglected by the Palestinian Authority.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 05, 2016 02:05 UTC