Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he was cutting all ties to Israel on Friday, after a week of deadly violence following the introduction of controversial new security measures at a Muslim holy site. Abbas said the move was a response to Israel's decision to add more security at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which threatens to prevent the devout from visiting one of Islam's holiest sites. "I declare, in the name of the Palestinian leadership, suspension of all contacts with the occupying power on all levels until Israel cancels all its measures against our Palestinian people, Al-Quds and particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque," Abbas told his cabinet. Three Palestinians were shot dead and 400 wounded during clashes with Israeli police in and around Al-Quds and the West Bank earlier Friday. The Israeli army also said that three Israelis had been stabbed to death in an attack on a home in a West Bank settlement on Friday evening. The alleged Palestinian attacker was shot and injured by a neighbour. Speaking following an urgent meeting of the Palestinian leadership to discuss the recent developments in the city of Al-Quds, Abbas called on Israel to remove the metal detectors placed at the gates to the mosque on Sunday and to allow free access for Muslims. Palestinians have vowed to fight the new gates, arguing that they are in violation of the agreed-upon status quo for the site. In addition to the detectors and new turnstiles, and fearing protests after Friday prayers, Israel also barred men under the age of 50 from entering the site to worship on Friday.
