Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, right, shakes hands with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, left, as he hands him a letter of appointment authorizing him to form the new coalition government in Gaza City, Thursday. The Hamas Cabinet resigned Thursday to make way for a coalition with the rival Fatah movement, and moderate Abbas gave his blessing despite what his aides said was a warning by the U.S. that Washington would shun the new coalition. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra) Khalil Hamra