DHAKA: A Palestinian official has died after a confrontation with Israeli troops at a protest in the West Bank, reports say.

A Reuters news agency photographer said Ziad Abu Ein, a minister without portfolio, was hit and shoved by soldiers near the village of Turmusiya.

But Palestinian medics told the BBC that he died as a result of suffocation from tear gas that was fired.

Abu Ein was rushed away from the scene in an ambulance, but died before reaching a hospital in nearby Ramallah.

The incident comes at a time of rising tensions in the region.

In recent weeks, 11 Israelis have been killed by Palestinians, including five who were stabbed and shot at a synagogue in Jerusalem.

Twelve Palestinians have also been killed, among them several assailants, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1752 HRS, DEC 10, 2014