GAZA, March 17 (UPI) -- A new Palestinian coalition government containing both the Hamas and the Fatah factions was overwhelmingly approved by the parliament Saturday.
The new cabinet, whose 25 members are to be sworn in Sunday, was approved on an 83-3 vote, Arabic Alalam satellite TV reported. The cabinet's first meeting was expected Tuesday.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah used the occasion to urge the West to end its boycott of the organization, which has crippled the region's economy. "This national unity wedding has received an Arab and international welcome, which we hope will be transformed into practical steps to end the siege," he said.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas set a more strident tone.
"The government affirms that resistance in all its forms, including popular resistance to occupation, is a legitimate right of the Palestinian people," he said. "Our people have the right to defend themselves from continuous Israeli aggression."
Israel has said it will boycott the government unless the Palestinians agree to recognize Israel, reject violence and commit to previously signed agreements.
Palestinian spokesman Ghazi Hamad said the new cabinet's top priority is to regain control of the security situation.
