Tear gas used to disperse protesters

GAZA CITY: Palestinian security forces have deployed tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in Ramallah in the wake of an activist’s death, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

According to the broadcaster, the protesters were expressing outrage over the death of political activist Nizar Banat in Hebron earlier in the day.

Banat’s death, which took place in police custody, has sparked a wide-ranging discussion in Palestinian society. The deceased’s family claim he was beaten to death.

Hebron Governor Jebrin Albakri said Banat was arrested by security forces, “which caused his health to deteriorate, necessitating his transfer to hospital, where he died.” Palestine Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said a commission would investigate.