Palestinian president calls for end to Israel agreements after Jerusalem building razed

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territory — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is calling Israel’s demolition of several dozen Palestinian homes on the outskirts of east Jerusalem “ethnic cleansing” and says he will take steps to terminate all agreements with Israel.

Abbas issued a statement following a meeting of PLO leaders in Ramallah on Thursday. The president said he would form a committee to advance ending all signed agreements with Israel, but it wasn’t clear such a move had a timeline.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The president’s remarks came three days after Israel levelled several buildings it says were built too close to its West Bank separation barrier after a years-long legal battle.

WATCH: Palestinians protest Kushner’s ‘economy first’ approach to Mideast peace (June 25)

0:47 Palestinians protest Kushner ‘economy first’ approach to Mideast peace

Abbas restated his opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century” between Israel and the Palestinians, and said that “Palestine and Jerusalem are not for sale or bargain.”