GAZA, May 15 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian was shot dead Tuesday afternoon during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the eastern Gaza Strip, as the Palestinians marked the 70th anniversary of the Nakba Day, or "the Day of Catastrophe."

Nasser Ghurab, 51, was killed east of the al-Bureih refugee camp close to the border with Israel, Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the health ministry in Gaza, said in a short text message sent to reporters.

The Israeli army has killed 61 Palestinians and wounded 1,771 others since Monday, when the U.S. relocated embassy to the disputed holy city of Jerusalem, fuelling more violent protests among the Palestinians.