According to a report, there are allegations in Samaria that Fatah has abandoned the armed struggle and its heads were openly collaborating with Israel. Reportedly, several palestinian factions and figures such as hamas and the palestinian islamic jihad boycotted a meeting of the Palestinian council.
According to the report, Hussein al-Sheikh, head of civil affairs was chosen to replace the late Saeb Erekat as secretary general of the executive committee. Reportedly, Abbas served as chairman of the executive committee. According to the report, the appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh boosts his chances of becoming number two in the Palestinian leadership and a potential successor to Abbas.