Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas appeared on local television Friday to downplay concerns over his health, saying the results of his medical checks at a hospital in the United States were “positive.” In an interview with Palestine TV while in the US, 82-year-old Abbas rejected reports he had been rushed to hospital during his visit. "It was a suitable opportunity to be here to conduct some medical tests, and these tests have been conducted and now we left," he said after leaving hospital. "All the results are positive and reassuring." Palestinian officials said Abbas would be returning to the West Bank on Friday. He flew to the United States to address the UN Security Council in New York on Feb. 20. He was also in the US to meet with political allies amid a breakdown of communication with the US administration following President Donald Trumps controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital. The Palestinians, who see the eastern part of the city as the capital of their future state, have said the US has disqualified itself as a mediator in talks with Israel and cut political ties with the administration. Trump is expected to propose a peace plan in the coming months.