"There is a certain communication between the Israeli intelligence service and some representatives of the al-Nusra* group, for the assistance and treatment of the wounded," the ambassador said.
The Palestinian National Council has instructed Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to recall recognition of Israel within two days, the Palestinian Authority's Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal said Tuesday.
READ MORE: Palestinian Leader Rejects US Peace Mediation Amid Israeli 'Massacres' in Gaza
"The Palestinian National Council has yet again re-elected Mahmoud Abbas as a member of the new executive committee, and he was instructed yesterday to withdraw recognition of Israel within two days… And I think that this is a message by Palestinian leadership not only to the Palestinian people, but to the leaders of Arab states," Nofal told a press conference.
Protests took place in the Gaza Strip on Monday amid the 70th anniversary of the formation of Israel which coincided with the anniversary of the transfer of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The number of Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli troops has reached 61 people.
"A 16-year-old Palestinian, who was injured yesterday in clashes with the Israeli army, died in the hospital, the number of Palestinians killed since yesterday has increased to 61, and [the total death toll] from March 30 [increased] to 109," Palestinian Healthcare Ministry spokesman Ashraf Qidra said.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has announced a three-day mourning period. The situation in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday will be discussed by the UN Security Council.
Palestinian Authority Ready to Take Part in Talks With Israel With Russia's Mediation
The Palestinian leadership is ready to take part in negotiations with Israel with Russia's mediation, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal said Tuesday.
READ MORE: Brother of Palestinian Resistance Icon Arrested by Israeli Forces
Since March 30, Palestinians have been holding mass rallies near the Gaza Strip border, known as the Great March of Return. The demonstrators claim the right of return for Palestinians displaced during the war after Israel's creation in 1948.
Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition of their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government refuses to recognize the Palestinian Authority as an independent political and diplomatic entity.
*al-Nusra is a terrorist group banned in Russia
