The Complexities of Palestinian Statehood: Who Will Lead?

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:38:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With increasing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, critical questions about leadership and governance arise amid turmoil and division. Can a unified Palestinian leadership emerge?

As more countries, including the UK, begin to recognize Palestinian statehood, the focus shifts to the complexities of governance and leadership within Palestine. While the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, struggles with legitimacy and internal division, the aspirations of the Palestinian people are intertwined with the realities of political fragmentation and ongoing conflict. The question remains: who will lead a potential future Palestinian state amid these challenges?

The Complexities of Palestinian Statehood: Who Will Lead?

Earlier this month, a Palestinian diplomat called Husam Zomlot was invited to a discussion at the Chatham House think tank in London.

Belgium had just joined the UK, France and other countries in promising to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in New York. Dr. Zomlot stressed that this was a significant moment: What you will see in New York might be the actual last attempt at implementing the two-state solution, he warned.

Weeks later, the UK, Canada, and Australia have taken similar steps to recognize Palestinian statehood, signaling a crucial shift in international politics regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK opposition leader, noted that these actions are aimed at preserving peace and the possibility of a two-state solution.

However, as more than 150 countries recognize Palestine, challenges loom over who would effectively lead a new Palestinian state. The concept of Palestinian statehood is complicated by issues such as territorial claims, ongoing conflict, and political division.

Four criteria for statehood set forth in the 1933 Montevideo Convention include a defined territory and effective government. Currently, Palestine can lay claim to a permanent population and the capacity to enter international relations, but lacks defined borders, which complicates its recognition. The West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip are the areas claimed by Palestinians, yet they remain under varying degrees of Israeli control.

Internally, the Palestinian political landscape is fragmented. Since the PLO's establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, there have been rival factions, most notably Hamas and Fatah, vying for control. Public sentiment among Palestinians reveals deep cynicism toward their leadership, especially given the absence of elections for nearly two decades.

Amid the devastation in Gaza from relentless conflicts, the Palestinian Authority has appeared ineffective. Mahmoud Abbas, the long-standing president of the Authority, is viewed increasingly as out of touch, especially as calls for a new leadership gain momentum.

One potential leader discussed among Palestinians is Marwan Barghouti, a prominent figure imprisoned in Israel since 2002. Polls suggest a significant fraction of Palestinians would favor his leadership, highlighting the desire for a new direction.

On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood, complicating any potential agreements even further.

The ongoing situation raises pressing questions about the feasibility of Palestinian statehood and the direction Palestinian leadership will take in the face of these challenges. As the international community rallies around recognition, it remains to be seen whether this recognition will catalyze meaningful governance and unity among Palestinians or simply serve as a symbolic gesture.