The Independent Commission for Human Rights, which issued its latest annual report this week, chronicles violations and fulfills a vital role in Palestinian society.

In his last address as prime minister, Salam Fayyad called for general elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and pledged to remain involved in Palestinian politics.

Senior Israeli official tells Haaretz: Kerry must understand, negotiations cannot commence with discussion of security and borders alone.

The time has come to replace a process that has led to violence and despair with a new framework based on restorative justice.

The two Palestinian movements have been at loggerheads for years despite mediation attempts by Egypt and other Arab countries.

Palestinians have not enjoyed the quiet Israelis have experienced over the past three months, but a lack of confidence in their leaders keeps most of them at home.

Voter registration drive in West Bank and Gaza paves way for reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas; Palestinian law requires elections to be held within three months of drive completion.

Neither Fatah nor Hamas expects Israel's new government to be serious about negotiations, but that isn't enough to bring them together.

An Egyptian official said the leaders of the Palestinian Hamas and Fatah factions had agreed to implement a long-delayed reconciliation pact, although it is unclear if the deal will extend beyond holding more talks.

Abbas signs presidential decree in first concrete move after successful UN bid; meanwhile, Gaza health official says more than 55 injured, 1 dead, after Fatah rally is overcrowded, marred with violence.