Palestinian leaders hold rare party meeting as polls show rising discontent

The Fatah faction elects top decision makers, but ordinary Palestinians feel the party and its leader are out of touch.

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The 90-year-old Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas – who rules by decree – was re-elected as head of Fatah on Wednesday.

Leading figures are promising unity and a political refresh. But ordinary Palestinians complain that this meeting, coming at a critical time for their nationalist cause, is showcasing the opposite.

Palestinian opinion polls indicate profound dissatisfaction with Abbas, with most wanting him to resign.

There is also disquiet that his eldest son – a businessman – is on the ballot for a senior party position for the first time.