Mahmoud Abbas
- Known for
- President of Palestine, PLO Chairman
- Born in
- Safed, Mandatory Palestine
- Education
- Candidate of Sciences degree, Patrice Lumumba University
Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has served as the President of Palestine and Chairman of the PLO since 2005, defining himself as a key figure in the pursuit of a two-state solution. He is known for navigating the complex political landscape between Fatah and its rival, Hamas, while striving for international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Signature Positions
Abbas's political career is characterized by his diplomatic approach and handling of internal Palestinian divisions:
- Two-State Solution: Key player in negotiations, advocating for a state based on 1967 borders with a capital in East Jerusalem, and rejecting previous Israeli proposals for less territory.
- Fatah/Hamas Conflict: Dissolved the unity government in 2007 following Hamas’s takeover of Gaza, leading to a continued political split between the West Bank and Gaza.
- Use of Arms: Called for an end to violence in 2005, opposing armed resistance while maintaining that the PLO took up arms from a credible position.
- Gaza Blockade: Supported the blockade of the Gaza Strip to weaken Hamas, and approved of Egypt's crackdown on smuggling tunnels.
- International Relations: Joined the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2014 as a diplomatic tool against Israeli policies.
Notable Tensions
Abbas’s long tenure and leadership are fraught with significant controversy:
- Holocaust Statements: Faced international condemnation for his 1980s doctoral work and later comments questioning the number of Holocaust victims and attributing the genocide to Zionist agitation.
- Corruption Allegations: His administration, and that of his sons, face persistent accusations of widespread corruption, leading to significant domestic protests and impacting international donor confidence.
- Term Extension: His presidency has continued beyond its initially scheduled end dates, leading Hamas and other critics to dispute the legitimacy of his continuous rule.
- Handling of Hamas: His harsh condemnation of Hamas following the 2023 attacks has strained relations with the group, even as he advocates for civilian protection.
Abbas is viewed by many Israeli officials as a nonthreatening, violence-abhorring strategic asset, contrasting with the more revolutionary policies of his predecessor, Yasser Arafat. Despite leading the PLO and PNA for decades, his approval ratings have consistently declined, with nearly 80% of Palestinians wanting him to resign by 2021.
