Palestinian minister dies after scuffle with Israeli troops in West Bank

West Bank, Dec 10: A Palestinian Cabinet member died shortly after he and other protesters clashed with Israeli troops on Wednesday near a West Bank village, said a AP report.

During the scuffle, Ziad Abu Ain, 55, was held by the neck by a member of Israeli forces after which Ain collapsed. He was given first aid and rushed to the hospital, but died en route, witnesses said.

According to the witnesses, the Israeli forces had also fired tear gas.

The Israeli army said that the minister's body will be taken for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

The incident is likely to inflame tension between Israel and Palestine which has been sharing a very volatile relationship.

Also, on Wednesday, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy was shot in the head and seriously wounded by a Israeli soldier in Jalazoun refugee camp, according to Ramallah Hospital authorities, said the report.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in a statement said that Ain's death was caused by a 'barbaric act', however he added that he would wait for the autopsy reports to decide on a response.

He also called for three days of mourning in the Palestinian territories.

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