Hamas PM-designate to present new govt

Palestinian prime minister-designate Ismail Haniyeh was to present his new Hamas-led government to parliament today.

Haniyeh, a Hamas leader from Gaza, was to address the parliament at the start of a debate on the new government. The vote was not expected to take place today.

The Islamic Hamas group swept a January Palestinian parliamentary election, ousting the long ruling Fatah movement, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas’ Fatah movement is expected to vote against the formation of the new government, but Hamas has a clear majority and is guaranteed parliamentary approval.