Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has dismissed the announcement of his being fired by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. He said Abbas's announcement is "hasty" and that he will remain as head of the unity government.

Hamas legislator Salah Bardaweel pointed out that Hamas controls the legislature and therefore has the authority to approve a new government. "How can you declare a state of emergency if you don't have a government to enforce it?" he asked.