Arafat Jaradat’s  Death has raised storm among Palestinians and fear for a breakout of violence .The  UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry in his statement has called  for  an investigation into his  death and called for maximum restraint by all parties to prevent further violence.

Mr. Jaradat, who was arrested on 18 February  on suspicion he was involved in hurling stones at Israeli troopers, died on Saturday in Magiddo prison. Israel claims that Jaradat had died of cardiac arrest, a claim Palestinians deny.

“The Special Coordinator takes note of the preliminary findings of the autopsy that was conducted on Mr. Jaradat’s body with the participation of Israeli and Palestinian experts,” said the statement.

“The United Nations expects the autopsy to be followed by an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Jaradat’s death, the results of which should be made public as soon as possible.”

Mr. Serry and Deputy Special Coordinator James W. Rawley discussed the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention yesterday  with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have spoken out in recent days about Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, particularly following reports of the fast deteriorating health conditions of several who have been on hunger strike.

“The United Nations remains concerned about the deteriorating health of Palestinian detainees on hunger strike, and reiterates that those held in administrative detention without charge should be charged and face trial with judicial guarantees in accordance with international standards, or promptly released,” said today’s statement.

It added that the UN is closely monitoring the situation on the ground “where mounting tensions present a real risk of destabilization.”

“The United Nations appeals for maximum restraint by all parties to prevent further violence. The United Nations will continue engaging with the parties on the ground with a view to finding a solution that addresses the plight of prisoners and preserves the calm.” says a statement from the UN media centre

By UP