Israel may cancel the fourth and final stage of its release of 104 Palestinian terrorist prisoners if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, pictured, refuses to commit to a yearlong extension of the current peace talks. Photo: World Economic Forum.

ABC News/AP – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday defended his security cooperation with Israel against widespread criticism and said his forces are helping in the search for three Israeli teens missing in the West Bank.

Security coordination with Israel serves Palestinian interests because it helps prevent a new uprising, which would “destroy us,” Abbas said.

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