 GAZA - The new Palestinian government under Islamic militant group Hamas said on Wednesday it was freezing administrative appointments made by the previous, more moderate caretaker leadership so they could be reviewed.
The cabinet announcement, issued after the first full meeting of Hamas ministers, underscored long-running tensions between the group and the Fatah faction that had dominated Palestinian politics until it was toppled in Jan. 25 elections. “The cabinet will form a ministerial committee to reconsider these decisions and ensure they were just,” said a statement, adding that the reviews would be completed within two months.
| Assuming the money lasts that long. |
The Palestinian caretaker government was in place from last November, when ministers running for re-election had to resign, until March 30, when the Hamas administration was sworn in. Among appointments overturned were ministry positions assigned by FatahÂ’s leader, President Mahmoud Abbas. The Hamas government also reversed a decision to place the Palestinian university al-Quds -- and its revenues -- under the Fatah-led national umbrella group Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
| Hamas will have to provide the teaching faculty for all the terrorism and arms majors, something I'm sure they can do. |
The Hamas ministers also agreed to provide documents about their personal finances for cabinet inspection within two weeks. |