Ban ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Ziad Abu Ein, urges Israel to investigate

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that he is “deeply saddened” by the death of Palestinian Minister Ziad Abu Ein, which occurred after a demonstration near Ramallah that resulted in clashes with Israeli security forces.

“The Secretary-General urges the Israeli authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstance of his death and appeals for calm,” Mr. Ban said in a statement by his spokesperson.

“He expresses his condolences to Minister Abu Ein’s family, the Palestinian people and its leadership.”

Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, also commented on Mr. Abu Ein’s death.