Next official at Hague-based court likely to decide on whether to initiate probe of possible Israeli war crimes; Bensouda leaves in June with a mixed record of success

Terror group has amassed hundreds of anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, and a military force including hundreds of naval commandos, Israel estimates

Abbas confidant Hussein al-Sheikh visits popular former terror chief in jail, where he's serving multiple life terms for murder, in reported attempt to convince him not to run

More than 90% of Gaza City's 385,000 eligible voters have already registered to participate in Palestinian elections, even as some look for excuses to cancel ballot

While broadly supportive, Washington has reacted cooly to the initiative which may end up strengthening Hamas, just as the White House is looking to renew ties with Ramallah

Sole pedestrian passageway between Egypt and Gaza, previously active only 3 or 4 days a week, to stay open as Hamas and Fatah hold talks in Cairo

Diplomats seek to convince host countries to oppose court's decision it can investigate Israel; security cabinet rejects tribunal's 'scandalous' claim

Facing legitimacy crisis, autocratic PA president holds talks with Hamas; further international isolation likely if terror group emerges victorious

Defense minister says court's pretrial order claiming jurisdiction to open war crimes probe 'has no basis in international law'; military vows to defend citizens, service members

Terror group celebrates, despite court also paving way to probing its actions: 'Palestinians await the day the occupation and its leaders are brought to trial for their crimes'