Nick Clegg promises to probe Palestinian minister’s death

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has promised to look into the death of a Palestinian minister killed after a confrontation with Israeli troops in the West Bank.

Ziad Abu Ein is believed to have inhaled tear gas during the incident, according to Palestinian medics who spoke to the BBC.

Other witnesses told the broadcaster he had been hit and shoved by soldiers.

Former international development minister Sir Alan Duncan raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions. The Tory MP (Rutland and Melton) asked Clegg, who was standing in for David Cameron: “Will you unreservedly condemn what appears to be the killing this morning by the Israeli Defence Force of the Palestine Government minister Ziad Abu Ein?” Clegg confirmed he would look into it “with urgency”.

The Liberal Democrat leader added: “Of course we condemn all unwarranted acts of violence on all sides in the Middle East. Clearly we want to see restraint exercised on all sides, we want to see an end to illegal settlement activity, an end to indiscriminate violence being inflicted on innocent Israeli citizens and a demonstrative move on all sides, which will involve compromise.”