A picture taken on August 28, 2017 shows people standing outside the presidential palace near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank after Palestinian officials announced a project to transform the building into a national library. President Mahmud Abbas and his cash-strapped administration had faced questions over the construction of the $17.5 million palace, which was initially intended as a presidential headquarters and location where foreign dignitaries could be received. Abbas has now decided to transform the 4,700-square-metre complex into a Palestinian national library, culture minister. Photo by Shadi Hatem