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Journalism of Courage
The Palestinian parliament on Saturday overwhelmingly approved a new Hamas-Fatah coalition with a 83-3 vote. Lawmakers clapped and jumped to their feet when the result was announced.
Parliament has 132 lawmakers, but 41 are being held by Israel.
Presenting the government8217;s programme to parliament, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said the coalition wants to set up a Palestinian state in the lands Israel occupied in the 1967 Mideast War. He said the Palestinians affirm the right to resist occupation, but will also seek to expand a truce with Israel.
Israel reiterated on Saturday that it will not deal with the new government, while a senior UN official signalled flexibility.
