巴勒斯坦人悼念与以军冲突后死亡高官

Palestinians are mourning a Cabinet minister who died Wednesday after clashes with Israeli police in the West Bank.

Thousands of people, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, gathered Thursday in Ramallah for the funeral procession of Ziad Abu Ain.

Israel deployed extra security forces to the West Bank in anticipation of new protests in reaction to Abu Ain's death.

During Wednesday's protests, Israeli troops pushed Abu Ain by the neck and chest and also fired tear gas in the area.

Palestinian doctors said Thursday that an autopsy showed he died from being struck, while Israeli officials said a heart attack caused his death.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner said the military is investigating what happened while also focusing on preventing any escalation of tensions.