Palestinian dies after being 'beaten' during arrest by Israeli army

A Palestinian died after being arrested during a raid in the occupied West Bank on Monday night, with his family accusing Israeli soldiers of beating him and leading to his death.

The Israeli army confirmed the death of Mohammed Khatib, 24, in custody, but said he had not resisted arrest and was not assaulted by troops.

Khatib's brother Bashir told AFP by phone that the army had raided the house in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"They entered Mohammed's room while he was sleeping, and they beat him violently and we heard screaming," he said.

"After a while he went silent, and a soldier carried him out on his back."

Israel's army said he was arrested "without violence" and lost consciousness at the scene. He later died in hospital.

The Palestinian Prisoners Society also said family members had accused the army of beating Khatib, and held Israel responsible for his death.

Around 95 percent of Palestinians detained by Israeli forces say they were subjected to physical and mental abuse, according to testimonies from prisoners.

In February, Yassin al-Saradeeh was killed after being beaten by Israeli soldiers during his arrest in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho.

Around 6,000 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in 18 Israeli jails and detention centres.

More than 40 percent of the Palestinian male population have been detained at some point by Israeli military forces since 2000, rights groups say.

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