Abbas: Gaza must return to control of legitimate Palestinian authorities

The Gaza Strip must be transferred to the control of legitimate Palestinian authorities, and Israeli plans for temporary control of the enclave are unacceptable, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Russia's RIA news agency in remarks published on Tuesday.

"Gaza must be governed under the auspices of the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and the legitimate Palestinian government," Abbas told the state RIA agency in an interview that was published in Russian.

"We strongly oppose Israeli plans that provide for some temporary solutions."

Abbas also said the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was intended to prolong the Gaza conflict, adding that he will discuss the regional crisis with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

RIA, citing a diplomatic source, said Abbas will come on a long-expected visit to Moscow on 12-14 August.

Abbas added that Haniyeh's assassination "was a cowardly act and a dangerous development in Israeli politics".

"There is no doubt the purpose of Mr. Haniyeh's assassination is to prolong the war and expand its scope," he said. "It will have a negative impact on the ongoing negotiations to end the aggression and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza."

Reporting by Reuters