In the Occupied Territories, Palestinian leaders began steps toward a new unity government Thursday. In a ceremony with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas announced his resignation to form a new cabinet.

Ismail Haniyeh: “In my name, as the recent prime minister for the 10th Palestinian government, I introduce in front of you my resignation, that opens the way for the constitutional process to take place to create the unity government, the 11th government. I am praying to God to help our people for what they are looking for in freedom, the return of refugees, and independence.”