Jibril Rajoub Unanimously Elected Fatah Secretary

The Fatah Central Committee has unanimously elected Major General Jibril Rajoub as its secretary during a meeting held Sunday evening in Ramallah. The meeting, chaired by Fatah deputy chairman Hussein al-Sheikh, aimed to finalize the distribution of organizational, movement, and leadership responsibilities.

Rajoub's election occurred while Central Committee member Mahmoud al-Aloul continues his boycott of the committee's meetings. Rajoub and al-Aloul had previously boycotted sessions following the initial meeting where al-Sheikh was chosen as deputy chairman, a decision reportedly made without full consensus among committee members, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Rajoub had previously stated that his and al-Aloul's absence was a protest against what he described as a departure from Fatah's traditions and democratic legacy, and the adoption of a "coercive approach" in task distribution.

The mechanism allowing Rajoub's return to the committee meetings remains unclear, while al-Aloul continues his boycott. Rajoub previously served as secretary of the Central Committee after the 7th Fatah Conference in 2017 and as deputy secretary following the 6th Conference in 2009.

The Central Committee also discussed the latest regional and international political developments, as well as the situation in the Palestinian territories and preparations for upcoming general elections. They addressed the escalating conflict in Gaza and increased Israeli actions in the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Reports on organizational readiness and election preparations were presented. The committee emphasized the need to enhance organizational and field readiness, complete necessary arrangements for the elections, strengthen Fatah's presence across governorates, and unify efforts moving forward.