The topic of succession has been taboo in Palestinian official circles since Abbas took office 14 years ago. Abbas took over as a caretaker leader following the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 2004, and was elected for what was supposed to be a five-year term the following year. The medical sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Abbas' health. Abbas took office promising to lead the Palestinians to independence with a message of nonviolence. Whoever ultimately emerges as the next Palestinian leader will have little to inherit, analysts say.

Source: ABC News March 22, 2018 06:15 UTC