Rami Hamdallah, a former university dean, took office on June 6 after being picked by acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas to replace internationally known Salam Fayyad.

Abbas gave Hamdallah two deputies, one for political and one for economic affairs, apparently to make up for his political inexperience.

Hamdallah's office said on Thursday that he offered his resignation to Abbas.

It was not clear whether Abbas would accept the resignation. His office declined comment. Abbas had frequently clashed with Fayyad.

Hamdallah's appointment was seen as a bid by Abbas to consolidate power.