The role of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is increasingly criticized and questioned by Palestinians themselves. As violence explodes between Israel and Hamas, frustrations increasingly turn towards Abbas, deemed inaudible and disconnected from the reality experienced by his people.
Since the start of the conflict, Mahmoud Abbas has been discreet, leaving many Palestinians perplexed and unhappy with his lack of action and leadership in this crisis. While more than half of Palestinians support armed struggle against Israel, they blame Abbas for his inability to meet his people’s expectations.
The disagreement between Abbas and the Palestinian street is exacerbated by the fact that the Oslo peace process, of which Abbas was one of the main architects in 1993, has been at an impasse for more than a decade. Israeli colonization in the West Bank only worsens the situation, making the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state virtually impossible. Violence between the Israeli army and Palestinian armed groups is also on the rise, as are acts of violence perpetrated by Jewish settlers against Palestinian civilians.
Abbas’ stance in favor of a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict contrasts with the mood of the Palestinian street, which is increasingly frustrated by its inaction and powerlessness in the face of the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. This frustration was amplified by social media, where many Palestinians welcomed what they saw as Israel’s “humiliating defeat” in the Hamas attack, expressing support for the group.
An opinion survey conducted before the war broke out found that more than three-quarters of Palestinians surveyed favored Mahmoud Abbas’ resignation. Additionally, 58% of respondents favored armed struggle to end the Israeli occupation, while only 20% favored a negotiated settlement and 24% favored peaceful resistance.
The Palestinian Authority is accused by its detractors of being increasingly associated with Israeli policies, whether through its inaction or its security cooperation. Palestinians believe that the Palestinian Authority does not defend their rights and interests, and that it only strengthens the Israeli occupation.
It is clear that Mahmoud Abbas faces a crisis of confidence from his own people. Its ability to ensure representation and protection of Palestinian rights is seriously questioned. The current situation in the West Bank highlights the need for strong and committed leadership to defend the interests of the Palestinian people and pave the way for a better future.