The United States has said its ban on direct aid to the Palestinian government would remain in place but it broke ranks with Israel by authorizing contacts with some members of the new unity administration.
The US consulate in Jerusalem said Washington would continue to shun Hamas ministers in the power-sharing Palestinian cabinet but permit contacts with non-Hamas members.
The decision marked a split with Israel, which said it would boycott the new government in its entirety.
Palestinians hope the partnership between Fatah and Hamas will stop factional fighting and ease a crippling aid embargo.
