MOSCOW, April 18 (UPI) -- Russia plans to give at least $10 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority because the United States and European Union cut off assistance.
The newspaper Izvestia quoted sources in the Foreign Ministry.
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U.S. and E.U. officials say that Hamas, which now controls the Palestinian parliament and cabinet, must recognize Israel, totally abandon violence and resume the peace process. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has urged the Palestinians to negotiate with Israel.
"But to make it realistic, we should work with Hamas, not declare a boycott," Lavrov said.
The source said that the aid is supposed to go to the "social and humanitarian needs" of Palestinians.
