The official Palestinian Authority news agency WAFA said PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, whom it calls “president of the state of Palestine,” left the hospital after routine checks.
The examination was carried out at Al-Istishari Hospital located in Ramallah. The results of the checks are called “encouraging” in the message.
The health of the veteran of Palestinian politics leaves much to be desired. On April 26, 2025, at a meeting of the PLO Central Council, a decision was made to establish the position of deputy chairman of the PLO executive committee, “vice president of the State of Palestine.” At the same time, the PLO Executive Committee approved the appointment of al-Sheikh to this post.
In October 2025, Abbas issued a constitutional declaration that the vice president would take over as acting head of the PA should the post remain vacant. The declaration obliges the successor to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 90 days.