The Palestinian parliament has approved a new government after Prime Minister Ahmad Quraya bowed to lawmakers' demands to bring in mostly new faces to replace members of Yasir Arafat's old guard.
Arab analysts are dismissing claims that Palestinian President Yasir Arafat's death would signal better peace prospects between the Palestinians and Israelis and say the onus is on the US to play a level role.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas says he is close to reaching a deal with resistance fighters to cease attacks on Israelis.
Mahmud Abbas was sworn in as Palestinian president, but his call for a ceasefire was overshadowed by new violence in Gaza and Israel's decision to cut ties with Palestinian officials.
Fresh from his presidential election victory, Palestinian leade