(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Palestinians expect their unity government to put an end to lawlessness and insecurity, according to a poll by Near East Consulting. 57 per cent of respondents think the administration's priority should be imposing law and security and ending the chaotic situation in the Palestinian Territories.

Imposing sovereign law is second on the list with 16 per cent, followed by fostering a boom in the Palestinian economy with 15 per cent, accomplishing peace with Israel with six per cent, and improving relations with other countries with four per cent.

Fatah candidate Mahmoud Abbas won the January 2005 presidential ballot with 62.32 per cent of all cast ballots. In January 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian Legislative Council election, securing 74 of the 112 seats at stake. Ismail Haniyeh officially took over as prime minister in March. The Israeli government believes Hamas is directly responsible for the deaths of 377 citizens in a variety of attacks, which include dozens of suicide bombings.

On Feb. 8 in Saudi Arabia, Hamas and Fatah leaders reached an accord which set the guidelines for a power-sharing Palestinian administration, headed by Hamas, which would "respect" past peace agreements with Israel. The new coalition government was sworn in on Mar. 17.

On Apr. 30, Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert referred to a barrage of rudimentary rockets that were launched into Israel from the Palestinian Territories, saying his government "is not interested in an escalation but will by no means refrain from taking the necessary steps to stop those who try to harm Israeli residents." Military reports said no civilians were harmed by the rockets.

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What should be the first priority of the Palestinian government?

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