By Xinhua
United Nations : The UN's Middle East envoy has urged the international community to support Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and the new Palestinian government led by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
Special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Michael Williams told an open UN Security Council meeting Wednesday that Hamas' violent seizure of de facto political authority in Gaza, the demise of the Palestinian National Unity government and the declaration of a state of emergency by Abbas have created new political realities and worrying conditions across the occupied Palestinian territory.
"The region as a whole is highly volatile and unstable, overshadowing efforts to make political progress," Williams said.
"Despite what has happened, Gaza and the West Bank remain one Palestinian territory, legally administered by one Palestinian Authority headed by President Abbas, who has appointed an emergency government led by Prime Minister Fayyad," he said.
Williams said it was now vital that Israel and the international community immediately deliver political and financial support to Abbas and the Palestinian government, including by releasing all previously withheld Palestinian customs and tax revenue.
"What is also needed is action on previous Israeli commitments, including the evacuation of settlement outposts, removal of roadblocks and checkpoints and release of prisoners," he said.
"Equally, Fatah and the PA should act on previous commitments, not only to end violence, but to thoroughly reform its institutions."