The United States has said it will work with the Palestinian unity government, which has the backing of both Fatah and Hamas.
The new 16-member cabinet was sworn in by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. It is made up of technocrats “without political affiliation”, according to Abbas.
US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters: “Based on what we know now, we intend to work with this government, but will be watching closely to ensure that it upholds the principles that President Abbas reiterated today.”
The Israeli government has said it will not support any administration with ties to Hamas.
Mark Regev, spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister, told reporters: “President Abbas took a step backwards away from peace. He embraced a ruthless terrorist organisation directly responsible for the murder of hundreds of innocent civilians and a group that calls for my country’s destruction.”
