Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah

Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Wednesday urged Germany and the international community to act immediately and pressure Israel against its plans to demolish Khan al-Ahmar village, east of Jerusalem.

The appeal came hours before German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected in Israel for an official two day visit and talks with senior Israeli officials.

Reports said Merkel has threatened to cancel her visit if Israel demolishes the village.

Hamdallah made the appeal during a meeting with the new head of the German Representative Office in Ramallah.

The prime minister and his guest discussed increasing cooperation between their countries and called on Germany to support recognition of the Palestinian state and full economic cooperation with the European Union.