Hamas, Qatar Ties Strengthen

Hamas reelects Qatar-based official to inner circle
Reelected Hamas chief Khaled Meshal, left, and Gaza's Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh / AP

Hamas has reportedly reelected a prominent Qatar-based official to head its inner circle, further solidifying ties between the terror group and the wealthy Islamic government.

A Failed Reformation

Reports: Abbas set to sack reformer Fayyad
Salam Fayyad, Mahmoud Abbas / AP

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is reportedly considering firing his reform-mind Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and forming an entirely new government as President Barack Obama wraps up his three day visit to the region, according to media reports.

House Bill Would Cut Aid to Palestinian Authority

New bill timed to Obama’s meetings with PA leaders would require recognition of Israel’s right to exist
Palestinians rip an American flag during a protest against the visit of President Barack Obama / AP

A Florida Republican House member plans to introduce a bill halting U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until it formally “recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state” and cuts off all ties with the terror group Hamas.

No Partner for Peace

Palestinian Authority rewards mother of terrorists before Obama trip
President Barack Obama meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas,  2010 / AP

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas bestowed official honors on the mother of three terrorists days ahead of President Barack Obama’s much-anticipated visit to the region Wednesday.

Palestinian Conspiracy Authority

PA President Mahmoud Abbas spins Zionist-Nazi conspiracy theory
Mahmoud Abbas / AP

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas claimed Zionists collaborated with the Nazis during a recent interview with a Hezbollah-linked television station, raising concerns among Western experts that Abbas is resorting to anti-Semitic tropes in order to sure up support among his extremist governing coalition.

State Dept. Doubles Down on Palestinian Aid

PA in financial crisis, reports show
Mahmoud Abbas / AP

Following revelations on Capitol Hill that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has been stashing millions of dollars in U.S. aid money in a secret bank account, the State Department reaffirmed its commitment to providing the PA with around $600 million in taxpayer money.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Palestinian

Palestinian Authority president stealing millions in aid, Middle East experts say
Mahmoud Abbas / AP

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has allegedly deposited nearly $13 million in U.S. taxpayer aid into a secret bank account, and routinely uses his political connections to profit from the stagnant peace process, according to testimony presented to Congress Tuesday by several Middle East experts.