Top leaders of the main Palestinian political faction, Fatah, are electing its highest decision-making body at its first major conference in a decade. 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. Addressing the conference on its opening day, Abbas promised the first presidential and parliamentary elections in 20 years – without giving a timeline.

We renew our full commitment to continuing work on implementing all the reform measures we pledged, he stated, insisting that holding the gathering on our homeland's soil confirms our determination to continue on the democratic path.

The president and the Palestinian Authority (PA) face increasing pressure from the US, European Union, and Arab countries to reform and hold elections, amid claims of corruption and political stagnation.

The Palestinian reality has drastically changed since the last general conference at the end of 2016. The deadly Hamas-led assault on Israel triggered the brutal Gaza war, leaving Palestinians slaughtered, displaced, and devastated, according to Abbas.

In contrast, a key Israeli minister has pledged to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state”, and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank increasingly face displacement as settlements grow. Settlements are illegal under international law, further weakening the PA, which governs parts of the West Bank.

Additionally, Israel is withholding tax transfers owed to the PA, deepening its economic troubles, which affects its ability to pay civil servants fully and maintain public services.

While more than 2,500 Fatah members gather for the conference, discussions are overshadowed by the issues facing the PA and its legitimacy, with many questioning whether the reforms can lead to significant change.

As debates unfold, activists and members express hope for reformation and unity amid underlying tensions regarding future leadership and the ongoing disconnect with public sentiment over cronyism and corruption.