Israeli security official says no such negotiations took place, adds that claims about the hunger strike were greatly exaggerated

Palestinian inmates demand reversal of measures taken since six detainees escaped in September; Israel Prison Services spokesperson says no such action yet in evidence

Full-scale violence is still far off, but the sensitive prisoner issue could upset volatile situation, warns Fatah official; further demonstrations expected on Friday

PA leader's fragmented faction to present three slates of candidates in the coming vote, leading some to fear a repeat of its 2006 loss to Hamas

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

PM Shtayyeh says financial institutions agree to freeze action against accounts of terror operatives after military decree, vows to 'protect banks from oppression of occupation'