RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and nine other members resigned Aug. 22 from the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in a bid to force the Palestinian National Council to hold an extraordinary session within one month and elect a new executive committee, knowing that the council has not convened since 1996.

Although Abbas said the resignations are merely aimed at “activating the Executive Committee,” politicians interviewed by Al-Monitor said the intent is to stack the committee with Abbas supporters.

Sharp criticism of the resignations and their possible consequences is expected to increase when a new committee is formed and could negatively affect intra-Palestinian relations, and the entire political system, opponents say.

The 18-member Executive Committee is the highest authority in the Palestinian political system. It is elected by the National Council and is authorized to make decisions about the general political situation. Prior to the resignations, Executive Committee Secretary-General Yasser Abed Rabbo was laid off June 30 and Saeb Erekat was elected to replace him Aug. 22.