We are deeply saddened by the death of Ziad Ebu Ayn, Palestinian Minister in charge of the illegal settlements and the Separation Wall, who lost his life during the clashes which took place today between the Palestinians and the Israeli occupation forces at the West Bank. We wish God's mercy upon him and convey our condolences to his family and relatives. We wholeheartedly share the pain of the Palestinian people on this tragic day.

This grievous incident is an outcome of the ongoing occupation of Israel on the Palestinian territories. Israel seriously violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people by illegal settlement activities on the Palestinian territory, building of the Separation Wall, arbitrary arrests, blockade and other inhumane practices. It is totally unacceptable that the Palestinians have been subjected to all kinds of ill treatment in their own homeland and left landless and stateless for years.

We strongly condemn Israel due to this incident, reportedly occurred as result of the ill treatment of the Israeli soldiers. We expect the case to be investigated impartially and thoroughly and those responsible are brought to justice.

Israel should stop its barbaric actions in the Palestinian territories as soon as possible. It is high time for Israel to understand that its genuine security can only be attained through the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the region rather than oppressing the Palestinian people.

We hope that the occupation will be brought to an end as soon as possible within the framework of the two-state peace vision and our Palestinian brothers and sisters will reach a well-deserved secure, stable and prosperous life.