Palestinian president swears in new government
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a new Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) government at his office in Ramallah on Saturday night. The government, headed by new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, was formed after former Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah resigned in January.
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 09:32 | 13 April 2019
- Modified Date: 09:32 | 13 April 2019
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has sworn in a new government led by a longtime ally who is critical of Gaza's Hamas rulers and a proponent of continuing peace talks with Israel.
Abbas, who heads the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, accepted the oath of office on Saturday from the new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtayeh, a veteran peace negotiator.
The appointment of Ishtayeh is likely to deepen the rift between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, the Islamic militant group that governs the Gaza Strip.
Outgoing Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah oversaw a unity government formed nearly five years ago with the goal of reaching a conciliation deal with Hamas. Ishtayeh's appointment reflects the failure of years of efforts to reconcile with Hamas.