The chief spokesman of the Fatah movement, Munir Aljagub, confirmed on Sunday that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas had appointed Mohammad Shtayyeh, a member of Fatah central committee and Abbas’ long-time ally, as the new Palestinian prime minister.

“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is appointing Mohammad Shtayyeh, a member of the Fatah Central Committee, as the next prime minister”, Aljagub told Sputnik.

Earlier this week, Shtayyeh’s candidacy has been approved by the Fatah central committee, local media reported. A Fatah source also told Sputnik about the appointment on Friday.