A Palestinian senior government minister is dead after a dust-up with an Israeli border police officer, who is seen grabbing 55-year old Ziad Abu Ein by the throat, striking him in the chest, and shoving him – all caught on video.  There are calls for calm after what might be the next flashpoint in the Middle East.

Abu Ein was part of a group of protesters who approached a Jewish settlement near Ramallah, with the intent of planting Olive trees in the village of Turmusiya.  The border guards stopped them, and things got testy.  Several people were pushed around.  Abu Ein made his way to the front of the crowd, and is seen getting roughed up by a border guard.

“When we arrived at where we planned to plant, there were a large number of troops waiting for us who fired teargas,” said Abu Ein’s assistant Mohammed Mohesin.  “He went to talk to them and asking why they were blocking us.  One soldier grabbed him by the throat.  A few minutes later another one hit him in the throat while a third soldier with a helmet head-butted him in the chest.”

Other witnesses said they saw the head-butt, which was not caught on camera.  Shortly before his death, Abu Ein complained to the Israeli border guard.

“We came to plant trees on Palestinian land, and they launch into an attack on us from the first moment.  Nobody threw a single stone,” said Abu Ein, appearing to be out of breath.  A short time later, the video shows him going unconscious on the ground.  Israeli medics attempted to treat him.  He was taken to a clinic, and then to hospital in Ramallah where he was pronounced dead.  Although the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) initially played down the confrontation, other officials including Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon later took it much more seriously.

“The event in which Ziad Abu Ain died is under investigation by the IDF,” said Yaalon.  “We have proposed a joint investigation to the Palestinian Authority and that a joint autopsy be carried out on Abu Ain’s body.  Security stability is important to both sides and we will continue coordination with the PA.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is describing the incident as “barbaric act, which we cannot be silent about or accept”, and announced three days of mourning.  Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki vowed “Israel will pay” for the “murder” of Abu Ein.

International reaction is made of condolences for Abu Ein’s family and calls to avoid violence.  The United States

“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,” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a statement read by a spokesman.