Ali Sawafta

RAMALLAH West Bank (Reuters). An elderly Palestinian American was discovered dead in his home after being taken by Israeli soldiers into the occupied West Bank. The stress from being handled caused sudden cardiac arrest, according to a Palestinian autopsy.

Omar Abdalmajeed As’ad’s brother said that Israel was responsible for the death of his brother two weeks back.

The report by the Palestinian Justice Ministry outlines As’ad’s Jan. 12 pre-dawn arrest in Jiljilya.

Wednesday’s statement by the Israeli military indicated that there was no comment from them on these developments.

On Jan. 12, an Israeli military statement stated that it had conducted an overnight operation at the village and that a Palestinian “apprehended” after refusing to be checked.

He stated that he was in good health when soldiers freed him. The Military Police Criminal Investigation Division reviewed the incident.

As’ad was discovered with a zip-tie tied around his wrist. His brother Amer, a former resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, told Reuters that As’ad had been living in America for many decades. He returned to West Bank 10 years back.

He said, “I have received the autopsy report. I spoke to the lawyer about the case. I will also contact the American consulate for further information.” He said that Israel is responsible for his death.

Following As’ad’s suicide, the U.S. State Department claimed that As’ad was American and sought clarifications from Israel.