Just hours before the Palestinian Authority’s unity government was sworn in Monday, United States Secretary of State John Kerry spoke by phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to express Washington’s concern over the inclusion of the Hamas terror organization in the new Palestinian government, according to Israel Radio (Hebrew audio link).

Kerry added that the U.S. will judge any government on the basis of its composition, policies and its actions. He stressed it is important the Palestinian Authority renounce violence and recognize Israel and agreements signed with it.

The report added that Abbas told Kerry his government will respect those principles.

However, as The Tower has reported over the last month, Hamas will retain its own military capabilities, leaving a serious question mark over Abbas’ reported commitment to the Americans.

Even as plans were underway for the June 2 swearing-in ceremony in Ramallah, rockets were launched from Gaza towards Israeli residential areas.

For now Israel holds Hamas responsible for all attacks emanating from the Palestinian coastal enclave but with a new government, that responsibility will be pinned on the Palestinian Authority.

[Photo: U.S. Dept. of State / Wiki Commons]