Abbas appoints new Palestinian PM

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has appointed a new prime minister, a day after dissolving the Hamas-led coalition, officials say.

Former Finance Minister Salam Fayyad, an independent, has been asked to take over and form an emergency government.

It comes amid political upheaval in Gaza, where Hamas has forcibly taken control from its Fatah rivals.

But Ismail Haniya, of Hamas, said he was still prime minister, while Hamas denounced Mr Abbas' move as illegal.

Hamas' exiled political chief, Khaled Meshaal, meanwhile said his movement will work with Mr Abbas.

"He is an elected president, and we will co-operate with him for the sake of national interest," he said.