A Palestinian unity government was sworn in today in Ramallah, bringing Fatah and Hamas together. (See here, here and here.)
Hailing the event, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, "a black page in history has been turned forever."
The move was also welcomed by Hamas. "We hail the national consensus government, which represents all the Palestinian people," said its spokesperson, Sami Abu Zuhri.
The US confirmed on Monday that it intends to work with the newly formed government, amidst objections from Israel.
A spokesperson for the State Department, Jen Psaki said,
"The agreement with Hamas makes Abbas directly responsible for any terrorist activity from Gaza," he said today, following the swearing in ceremony.
Hailing the event, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, "a black page in history has been turned forever."
The move was also welcomed by Hamas. "We hail the national consensus government, which represents all the Palestinian people," said its spokesperson, Sami Abu Zuhri.
The US confirmed on Monday that it intends to work with the newly formed government, amidst objections from Israel.
A spokesperson for the State Department, Jen Psaki said,
"Based on what we know now we intend to work with this government but will be watching closely to ensure that it upholds principles that President Abbas reiterated today,"Condemning the move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that President Abbas would be responsible for Hamas' actions.
"But we will continue to evaluate the composition and policies of the new government and calibrate our approach accordingly."
"The agreement with Hamas makes Abbas directly responsible for any terrorist activity from Gaza," he said today, following the swearing in ceremony.