After a transitional phase, a new leader might step in as president of an anticipated Palestinian state.

Currently, Hussein al-Sheikh occupies the role, but he faces significant challenges including accusations of ineffectiveness, failing to conduct promised elections, and collaborating with Israel to suppress unrest in the West Bank.

“He’s a man with considerable credibility and popularity, with the potential to unite various Palestinian factions. This could drive a movement that not only addresses President Trump’s 20-point peace plan but also advances the Palestinians toward a two-state solution.”

Despite being imprisoned in Israel since 2002, Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti remains a widely respected political figure.

In 2002, Barghouti was arrested for allegedly orchestrating attacks on Israelis and was convicted two years later for the murder of five individuals, resulting in a sentence of five consecutive life terms plus an additional 40 years.

In 2002, he was jailed for allegedly orchestrating attacks against Israelis and two years later was convicted of murdering five people. He was sentenced to five consecutive life terms plus another 40 years in jail.

Despite his imprisonment, Saikal described him as a unifying figure with a popular following comparable to that of Nelson Mandela, an activist and former president of South Africa who spent time in jail.

Calls for his release

“If Trump actually insists on it, there’s no doubt that Trump will get his way, and Barghouti will be released,” Parmeter said.

“His support of the Palestinian cause and the degree of moderation that he has injected into the whole Palestinian nationalist movement make him also a very credible candidate,” he said.

Hamas leader in contention

“Hamas is not an entity that the Israelis are prepared to have play any role in the governance of Gaza,” he said.

A Hamas spokesperson recently said the group would disarm if a Palestinian state was created.

PA president faces declining popularity, health issues

Abbas also reportedly has “health issues”, which have prompted him to rely more on his colleagues, according to Saikal.

“Its leader [Abbas] is seen as weak and ineffectual, and it [PA] is riddled with corruption.”

Future president to face ‘enormous challenges’

“Trump notoriously doesn’t have a large attention span. And if he loses interest in this issue, we could go back to essentially where we were before the 20-point plan was announced, which really would be further Israeli attacks and occupation of Gaza.”