(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 11, 2016, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas reacts during an exclusive interview with AFP reporters in his office in the West Bank city of Ramalla. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas apologised Friday for alleged anti-Semitic comments that drew global condemnation. "If people were offended by my statement... especially people of the Jewish faith, I apologise to them" he said in a statement, days after appearing to suggest Jewish behaviour, including money lending, led to their persecution in Europe. / AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX