Palestine recalls ambassador to Abu Dhabi

ANKARA

The Palestinian foreign ministry said Thursday it recalled its ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in response to a deal announced between Abu Dhabi and Israel.

US President Donald Trump announced the agreement in a move forestalling Israel's controversial plans to annex large swathes of the occupied West Bank.

A joint statement from the US, UAE and Israel said the "breakthrough" will promote "peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders,” referring to Trump, bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Benjamin Netanyahu.

The UAE News Agency also confirmed the agreement as a step towards bilateral relations.

The UAE will be the third Arab country to sign a peace agreement with Israel following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Israeli cultural and sport delegations have visited Arab capitals in recent months and joined competitions and gatherings, where Arab observers considered participation a dangerous breakthrough on the way to normalization ties with Israel.