I would like to express my condolences to the family of Minister Ziad Abu Ein, to the Palestinian Authority and to the Palestinian people following Minister Abu Ein's death today in the Palestinian village of Turmusaya. 

Reports of excessive use of force by Israeli Security Forces are extremely worrying: I call for an immediate, independent investigation into Minister Abu Ein's death. This is a dramatic reminder for the entire international community of the deteriorating situation on the ground.

I expect all sides to exercise maximum restraint at this time and to avoid all actions that would further raise tensions.