Palestine sends condolences on stampede in Israel

JERUSALEM

Palestine on Friday extended its condolences to Israel over a deadly stampede during a Jewish religious festival in northern Israel.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a condolence message to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

In his message, Abbas expressed sorrow over the loss of lives as a result of the stampede during a religious holiday celebration on Mt. Meron.

Palestine prays for those who lost their lives and for the families of the victims, Abbas said.

He wished a quick recovery to those injured in the incident.

Israel declared Sunday a day of national mourning after at least 45 people were killed early on Friday in the stampede during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag B'Omer.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz in Ankara