President of the Palestinian National Authority the Palestinian Legislative Council, was recognized as acting President by the government of Ismail Haniyeh that governed the Gaza Strip. From 2014 to 2016 Rami Hamdallah was recognized by both sides as head of government and Mahmoud Abbas as president. The Arabic term Ra'ees or Ra'is (رئيس) can be translated to English as either "President" or "Chairman". As the status of Palestine as a political entity is controversial, the use of the term "President" to describe the leader of the Palestinian government is controversial to some, as its use may be seen to imply a recognition of state sovereignty. Until
Friends of Palestine in the Parliament of Norway Friends of Palestine in the Parliament of Norway Friends of Palestine in the Parliament of Norway () is a pro-Palestine caucus group consisting of members of the Parliament of Norway ("Stortinget"). The initiative to form the group was taken in late 2007, and was modelled after the pro-Israel group Israels Venner på Stortinget. After the 2009 election, the group convened. Torbjørn Røe Isaksen joined the groups for support of both Israel and Palestine, and was the only member from a non-socialist party. The leader of "Palestinas Venner" is Anette Trettebergstuen. After the 2009 election the group had 29 members. As