Report claims Palestinian unity gov't formed, acknowledged by Washington

Palestinian officials state invitation shows change in US stance on Fatah-Hamas unity government, according to Israeli media report.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Abbas and Hamdallah 370 (photo credit: REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman)
Abbas and Hamdallah 370
(photo credit: REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman)
A senior Palestinian Authority official reportedly announced that the US has invited the new Palestinian unity government's prime minister, Rami Hamdallah, to an official visit in Washington.
According to a report by Maariv on Friday, a Palestinian official stated that the invitation is a declaration of American recognition for the unity government. The report cited the official as saying, "The visit will take place in June, during which Hamdallah will meet with American president and visit the US Congress."
"The US administration has renounced its previous disapproval of the national unity government and will now support the new government," claimed the head of the Fatah reconciliation team, Azam al-Ahmad.
Washington has previously announced that it expects any Palestinian government to  refrain from violence as well as recognize Israel and agreements.
A US official has previously stated that the United States would have to reconsider its assistance to the Palestinians if Islamist group Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organization form a government together.