Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has resigned to help pave the way for a Palestinian unity government.
Mr. Fayyad said Saturday he submitted his resignation to President
Mahmoud Abbas and that it will take effect after the formation of a
Palestinian unity government expected by the end of this month.
The move comes ahead of the resumption of power-sharing talks between Mr. Abbas and his rivals from the militant group Hamas.
Mr. Abbas appointed Mr. Fayyad as prime minister after Hamas overtook the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Hamas had repeatedly demanded that Mr. Fayyad step down and said Saturday his government was illegal and unconstitutional.