The United States has welcomed the selection of a new Palestinian prime minister, saying the choice of academic Rami Hamdallah comes at a "moment of challenge" and a "moment of opportunity."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked Hamdallah to form a new Palestinian Cabinet in West Bank, replacing Salam Fayyad, who announced his resignation in April and formally leaves this month.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Hamdallah in a statement Sunday, saying the United States can work with the new government on a path to a negotiated two-state settlement with Israel.
The Islamic militant group Hamas, which controls the rival Gaza Strip, has rejected the appointment. A spokesman calls it "illegal" and says it will not help bring Palestinian unity.