The official Palestinian news agency says President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed a new prime minister, ending weeks of uncertainty following the resignation of the previous premier.
The Wafa agency said Abbas appointed academic Rami Hamdullah today evening. Hamdullah replaces Salam Fayyad, a respected US-educated economist who was seen as being too independent and frequently clashed with Abbas.
Hamdullah is a member of the Fatah Party led by Abbas. He is now tasked with forming a new technocratic government.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to reporters.
Hamdullah has no prior political or government experience. He is a British-educated English professor and dean of al-Najah University in the West Bank.
