A Hamas leader from the West Bank has died in Israeli custody, according to Hamas, labeled as a terrorist organization, and Palestinian authorities.
Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, 63, is said to have died after being transferred from a prison in southern Gaza to a hospital.
"We mourn the passing of the leader and prisoner Sheikh Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara and hold the occupation responsible for the murder through deliberate negligence", says Hamas in a statement.
Abu Ara was arrested in October and already suffered from health problems at the time, according to Palestinian authorities who also claim that he was subjected to torture.
Israel has not commented on the reports.
