Elderly Palestinian dies after Israeli soldiers assault him during home demolition

An elderly Palestinian man died of a heart attack after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers during a home demolition on Tuesday near Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank.

Ghazi Bader Manasra, 71, was reportedly "brutally" treated by Israeli forces during the demolition in the village of Wadi Fukin, according to his family, who hold the Israeli military responsible for his death.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli soldiers used batons and rifles to assault residents during the demolition. Six people were wounded with bruises and scratches. Among them was Manasra, who suffered a stroke and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

A video clip circulating online shows Israeli soldiers beating a group of Palestinians as they attempted to prevent the demolition.

Hamam Manasra, Ghazi’s son, told Middle East Eye that he was on his way to work around 7am (5am GMT) when his brother called to inform him that Israeli military vehicles were surrounding the home of their relative, Muhammad Manasra, in preparation for its demolition. 

Read more: Elderly Palestinian dies after Israeli soldiers assault him during home demolition