Israel rejects new Palestinian government

    JERUSALEM, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Israel announced its rejection to the new Palestinian national unity government on Thursday afternoon, shortly before the expected announcement of the new Palestinian government, pan-Arab satellite television al-Jazeera reported.

Observer: new interior minister a social man rather than politician

    GAZA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Hani Talab al-Qawasmi, the new interior minister of the upcoming new national unity government, expected to be sworn in on Saturday, is a popular Palestinian social people rather than one intensively involved in political or military actions, local observers said.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (R) accepts a document from caretaker Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh from Hamas bearing the names of the cabinet of the new unity government in Gaza City, March 15, 2007. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

Haneya: difficulties to forming unity gov't overcome

    GAZA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Ismail Haneya announced on Wednesday night that all difficulties that had been facing the formation of the new national unity government had been overcome, including the issue of the interior ministry portfolio.

Abbas, Haneya meet again on finalizing formation of coalition

    GAZA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Ismail Haneya met with President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday night in Gaza City, their third meeting in 24 hours.

    The marathon meetings came a day before a long-awaited Palestinian national unity government is expected to be announced on Thursday.