Hamas Leader Dies in Israeli Custody

A Hamas leader in the West Bank has died in Israeli custody, Palestinian officials said Friday.

Mustafa Mohammed Abu Ara, 63, died after being transferred from a prison in southern Israel to a hospital, according to a joint statement from the Palestinian Prisoner Affairs Authority and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club.

“We mourn the death of the leader, Sheikh Mustafa Mohammed Abu Ara, and hold the occupation responsible for his murder caused by medical negligence,” Hamas said in a statement.

Abu Ara was arrested in October when he was facing serious health problems, according to the Palestinian Authority. They said he was subjected to severe torture during detention.

The Israeli army has not responded to Palestinian comments on the matter. Agency