According to the Middle East Eye, the comments were made by Major General Wael el-Safty, an officer in Egypt's General Intelligence Directorate in charge of Palestinian affairs, during a conversation with Fatah's Mohammad Dahlan.

In excerpts of the call which were broadcast on Egyptian Mekameleen TV, Safty reportedly says Abbas's "concentration isn't at full capacity" and he "has nothing to offer."

Safty goes on to compare Abbas to "a camel," saying he routinely regurgitates old ideas. He also speaks of his advanced age (the PA leader is 81), saying "The track is running out, if you excuse the phrase."

He claims Abbas "isn't smart at all. He doesn't want to change, he doesn't want to do anything."

The Egyptian official attacks Abbas's leadership, saying Palestinian factions inside Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) are becoming increasingly unruly under his leadership.

"Fatah is completely screwed," he says. "The (PLO) is even worse...It's stupidity."