Senior Palestinian leaders have almost finalized the formation of the long-waited National Unity Government and agreed on all names of the cabinet ministers.
Senior Palestinian leaders have almost finalized the formation of the long-waited National Unity Government and agreed on all names of the cabinet ministers. A list of 25 names, which includes two women, will be presented to the Palestinian Parliament for approval on Saturday. The two women are proposed to handle the Women's Affairs and Tourism Ministries.
Ismael Haniyeh will head this government, and Azzam Al-Ahmad, the head of Fatah’s Parliamentary bloc will take up the post of vice-premier.
The remainder of the portfolios will be distributed amongst candidates as follows:
Mahmoud Al-Aloul for the Ministry of Labor
Suleiman Abu Sneineh, Minister of Prisoners' Affairs
Radwan Al-Akhras, Minister of Health
Khloud Deibis, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
Sa’di Al-Krunz, Minister of Transportation
Ziad Abu Amr, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Bassam Al-Salhi, Minister of Culture
Salam Fayad, Minister of Finance
Hani Qawasmi, Minister of Interior
Mustafa Barghouthi, Minister of Information
Saleh Zidan, Minister of Social Affairs
Samih Al-Abed, Minister of Public Work
Nasser Eddin Al-Sha’er, Minister of Education
Yousef Al-Mansi, Minister of Communication and Information Technology
Suleiman Al-Shindi, Minister of Religious Affairs and Holy Sites
Samir Abu Aisha, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
Mohammad Barghouthi, Minister of Local Governments
Bassim Na’em, Minister of Youth and Sports
Ali Sartawi, Minister of Justice
Mohammad Al-Agha, Minister of Agriculture
Ziad Thatha, Minister of Economy
Mariam Saleh, Minister of Women's Affairs
Wasfi Kabaha, Minister without portfolio
Palestinians agreed to form the unity government in the Makkah meeting in February under Saudi auspices.
The upcoming government will be facing serious challenges, including lifting the US-led economic and political blockade which has resulted in a serious financial and political crisis in Palestine.
