The United States and Israel are refusing to lift the economic boycott of the Palestinian territories despite the swearing in of a new Palestinian unity government. The United States has said it was disturbed by the Palestinian government’s claim of a right to resist the Israeli occupation. Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh made the comment on Saturday night.

Ismail Haniyeh: “The government affirms that resistance in all its forms, including popular resistance against the occupation, is a legitimate right of the Palestinian people, that the international community and international agreements have adopted in totality. And it’s the right of our people to defend themselves from the continuous Israeli aggression.”

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has also ruled out peace talks with the Palestinians. Olmert urged the international community to boycott the new Palestinian government, as well.