Dispute over what killed Palestinian official

In this image taken from video, an Israeli officer, right, grabs the throat of Palestinian Cabinet member Ziad Abu Ain during a protest in the West Bank city of Turmus Aya, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. Abu Ain died Wednesday following the scuffle with Israeli troops, quickly stirring Palestinian anger at a time of badly strained relations with Israel. An autopsy has yet to determine what killed Abu Ain, but Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called him the victim of a "clear crime" and a "barbaric act." He decreed three days of mourning for the minister, whose portfolio included organizing protests against Israeli settlements and the West Bank separation barrier. (AP Photo/Sky News Arabia via AP Video) In this image taken from video, an Israeli officer, right, grabs the throat of Palestinian Cabinet member Ziad Abu Ain during a protest in the West Bank city of Turmus Aya, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. Abu Ain died Wednesday following the scuffle with Israeli troops, quickly stirring Palestinian anger at a time of badly strained relations with Israel. An autopsy has yet to determine what killed Abu Ain, but Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called him the victim of a "clear crime" and a "barbaric act." He decreed three days of mourning for the minister, whose portfolio included organizing protests against Israeli settlements and the West Bank separation barrier. (AP Photo/Sky News Arabia via AP Video)

By Associated Press December 11, 2014 2 min read

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) – Israeli and Palestinian pathologists disagreed Thursday on what killed a Palestinian Cabinet member who died after a scuffle with Israel border police.

Following a joint autopsy, the Palestinian doctor concluded that Ziad Abu Ain died as a result of a blow to his body, not of natural causes. The Israeli doctor said the 55-year-old’s death was caused by the blockage of a coronary artery.

Abu Ain died Wednesday, shortly after a West Bank confrontation between Palestinian protesters and Israeli border police. An Israeli officer grabbed Abu Ain by the throat at one point. Troops also fired tear gas.

Earlier on Thursday another Palestinian Cabinet member said Abu Ain died as a result of tear gas inhalation and beatings allegedly sustained the confrontation.

Hussein Sheikh, Palestinian minister of civil affairs, told Voice of Palestine radio that delays in getting Abu Ain to the hospital also contributed to his death.