PA Prime Minister Salim Fayyad on Saturday announced he is stepping down, explaining the move will facilitate the establishment of a coalition government between Hamas and Fatah.

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) refused to accept the resignation at present, calling on Fayyad to continue until a coalition government is established. Fayyad stated will comply with the request. Fayyad is affiliated with Abu Mazen’s Fatah Party, based in Ramallah.

Hamas officials in Gaza welcomed the move, explaining that Fayyad has been at the helm of the illegal government since 2007 and his resignation is a welcome move.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)