Haniyeh cements unity deal with list of ministers

Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas on Thursday presented the list of ministers in his new Cabinet to President Mahmoud Abbas, concluding the formation of new coalition. The move cleared the way for a parliamentary vote of confidence in the new government on Saturday. The unity deal between Hamas and Fatah is expected to win easy approval. "I have handed over to the president the candidates for the new coalition. He has accepted that," Haniyeh said. "We are optimistic the government will open a new era." However, Israeli officials on Thursday condemned the deal as a "step backward."