New Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and his West Bank-based government have been sworn in. As prime minister, Hamdallah is expected to focus on the domestic agenda, particularly the Palestinian economy. He will have two deputies, Zeyad Abu Amr, and Mohammed Mustafa.
Hamdallah was named by President Mahmoud Abbas to replace Salam Fayyad, who quit in April but remained in his post while a successor was sought. Most members of Fayyad’s cabinet remained in office.
Abbas has expressed his trust in the new government and says it will work hard during the transition period until a joint national government can be established.