Brussels, 10/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called for an “immediate, independent” investigation to be launched into the death of Palestinian minister Ziad Abu Ein, after incidents with Israeli soldiers during a demonstration in the Palestinian village of Turmusaya on the West Bank. Mogherini stated that the reports about the excessive use of force by the Israeli security forces were “extremely worrying”. The Israeli authorities have announced the opening of an investigation.
Mogherini believed that the event was “a dramatic reminder for the entire international community of the deteriorating situation on the ground”. She added that she expected all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid all actions that would further raise tensions.
Responsible for the settlement issue in the Palestinian Authority, Ziad Abu Ein was demonstrating peacefully with 300 people against the confiscation of Palestinian land, although their gathering had been forbidden. Israeli soldiers reportedly pushed the minister roughly at the level of his chest with the butts of their guns and helmets, and are said to have grabbed him at the neck and throat. The minister apparently collapsed while holding his chest a few minutes later, and died on his way to hospital. (CG)