Source: Ha'aretz
Mar 04, 2007
The "Palestinians" say they will announce the formation of their new unity government later this week, but ongoing disagreements between the leading Hamas and Fatah factions make that unlikely.
The previous Hamas-dominated government stepped down last month after reaching an agreement with PLO and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas over a power-sharing regime.
The deal was reached in hopes that the inclusion of Abbas' so-called "moderate" Fatah in the government would give the international community the excuse it needed to restart the flow of funds to the Palestinian Authority.
But reports indicate Abbas and Hamas still can't agree who will hold the important post of interior minister and with it direct control over the PA security forces.
The deadlock is holding up the renewal of international financial aid as well as US efforts to restart "land-for-peace" negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.