Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas says Palestinian negotiators have resigned over the lack of progress in U.S.-sponsored peace talks with Israel.
Abbas's comment in an interview with an Egyptian TV channel on November 13 came after Israel earlier announced plans to build nearly 20,000 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank.
Following the Israeli announcement, Abbas threatened to quit the talks, while Israel's ally, the United States, expressed "deep concern."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later ordered a halt to the projects, saying they created "an unnecessary confrontation" with the international community at a time when Israel was pressuring world powers to reach a deal with Iran that would put strong restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu did not mention the talks with the Palestinians.
Abbas's comment in an interview with an Egyptian TV channel on November 13 came after Israel earlier announced plans to build nearly 20,000 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank.
Following the Israeli announcement, Abbas threatened to quit the talks, while Israel's ally, the United States, expressed "deep concern."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later ordered a halt to the projects, saying they created "an unnecessary confrontation" with the international community at a time when Israel was pressuring world powers to reach a deal with Iran that would put strong restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu did not mention the talks with the Palestinians.