Singapore deeply saddened by death of Palestinian minister by Israeli troops

Singapore deeply saddened by death of Palestinian minister by Israeli troops

SINGAPORE - Singapore has said that is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Palestinian National Authority Minister Ziad Abu Ein in the West Bank on Dec 10.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed its concern about media reports of excessive use of force by Israeli security personnel in a statement to the media on Thursday.

"There is a need for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Minister Abu Ein's death.

"We also urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalating tensions," the MFA spokesman added.

"This tragedy underscores the urgent need for Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations towards a lasting and durable peace." 

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Minister Abu Ein, 55, who was in charge of the issue of Israeli settlements for the Palestinian Authority (PA), was struck by Israeli forces during a protest march in the West Bank.

According to an AFP report, the European Union foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini labelled the reports on excessive use of force as "extremely worrying", and demanded an "immediate, independent" inquiry.

Robert Serry, the UN special envoy for the Middle East Peace process urged Israel to conduct a "prompt, thorough and transparent investigation" into the death.

grongloh@sph.com.sg

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