Mustafa was appointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a move seen as an attempt to appease U.S. demands for reform.

Gazans are increasingly voicing their anger at Hamas' handling of the war and the heavy costs civilians have paid.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the raid and said it was cutting off security coordination between Palestinian police and Israeli forces.

The Gaza Strip needs major reconstruction after the Israeli military hit buildings and infrastructure. Experts say the U.N.-backed process of vetting projects ends up increasing costs and delays.

Israel and the Palestinians are again locked in bitter fighting. Here is a look at some key events in the conflict over the past decade and a half.

The last elections were held in 2006 and the Palestinian parliament hasn't conducted real business in years. Many observers predict the Islamist party Hamas is poised to win if elections are held.

Often the voice of the Palestinians in peace talks with Israel, Erekat's pursuit of peace through negotiation never prevailed. He was 65.