[1] The Unity Government was formed on 17 March 2007 following negotiations in Mecca, but due to failing international support (because it did not meet the conditions required by the Quartet on the Middle East), it was short-lived.

[3][4] President Abbas and the Fatah-dominated PLO developed a plan to replace the Hamas government with one acceptable to Israel and the international community.

According to the plan, unveiled in Al Jazeera's Palestine Papers, a national unity government would be formed to prepare early presidential and legislative elections by mid-2007.

An "Action Plan Leading to Early Elections" envisioned a strong enlargement of Fatah's Presidential Guard, internal reform of Fatah, empowering of presidential institutions, resumption of aid by the international community through the President's Office, and the end of withholding of taxes by Israel.

Israel, the United States, the European Union and several other countries impose sanctions against the PA, including suspension of all international aid.

[12][13] On 14 June 2007, President Abbas declared a state of emergency by presidential decree, and dismissed the Haniyeh-led unity government.