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

Palestinians are scheduled to head to the ballot box on May 22, although observers are skeptical that elections will actually happen

Terror group in uphill battle as it seeks to justify its 13 years in power while its leaders live lives of apparent luxury abroad having fled impoverished Strip

Palestinians have boycotted Washington since 2017, although some informal contacts have remained in place; senior PA official says two sides discussed bilateral relations

Ahmad Majdalani tells The Times of Israel that Ramallah is already engaged in unofficial contacts with Washington, which he hopes will soon become official

Former PA security chief doesn't have a 'clean record,' says Azzam al-Ahmad, referring to past conviction; Dahlan spokesperson vows to take 'message to the streets'

Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki criticizes announcement, saying that party has not yet decided on a candidate, knocks Abbas for not keeping officials in the loop

'At least we won't wake up every morning expecting the worst,' Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki tells local media

Israel has long cracked down on Palestinian Authority activity in East Jerusalem; Palestinian elections official says contingency plans exist if Israel refuses request

Broadcaster says inoculations delivered after PA made request for 'special humanitarian cases'; source says Abbas has not yet received shot; Palestinians deny report