New York

10 December 2014

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the death of Palestinian Minister Ziad Abu Ein

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the death of Palestinian Minister Ziad Abu Ein, after a demonstration in the village of Turmus Ayya that resulted in a confrontation with Israeli security forces. He expresses his condolences to the family of Minister Abu Ein, the Palestinian people and the Government of National Consensus.

The Secretary-General calls on the Israeli authorities to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the brutal death of Minister Abu Ein. He also calls on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.