Palestinian president swears in new government
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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.
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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.