Palestinian official says German chancellor recently told Abbas she won four elections since he was last elected in 2005; some European diplomats question future financial aid

Defense minister says directive to confiscate payments is part of efforts to ensure 'Jewish blood will no longer be financially lucrative'

PA police say man died of an unspecified illness after two-week hospitalization; deceased had been held since 2012

PA president also said to speak to his Egyptian counterpart about efforts to hold PA elections in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem

In recording, PA president criticizes Arabs who shun national ballots in Israel because they consider the Knesset to be a 'Zionist council'

Senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh says Ramallah awaiting Israel's response; analyst expresses skepticism that vote will take place

David Ben Avraham recounts two months of imprisonment, including efforts to make him recant; though Israel made no comment, officials reportedly worked quietly for his release

Jordanian Foreign Ministry says remains of Sami Abu Diak arrived following the Hashemite Kingdom's 'intensive engagement' with Israeli authorities

PLO officials claim project, funded by pro-Israel evangelical donors, serving 'military, intelligence and security' purposes, but terror group brushes off concerns

Former Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal also calls the PA president to offer condolences on passing of Ahmed Abdel Rahman, official PA outlet reports