Hundreds attend funeral of disabled Palestinian shot by Israeli police

Defence Minister Benny Gantz says the government is 'really sorry' about the incident

Palestinians carry the coffin of Iyad Hallaq, a disabled Palestinian man who was shot dead by Israeli police after they mistakenly thought he was armed with a pistol, during his funeral in Jerusalem oShow more

Hundreds of people attended the funeral on Sunday of a Palestinian who was fatally shot by Israeli police in an incident for which Israel's new defence minister later apologised.

A police spokesman had said officers killed a Palestinian they suspected was carrying a weapon in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday, but according to Israeli media, the man was later found to have been unarmed.

Palestinian officials said the 32-year-old man, Iyad Hallaq, suffered mental health issues and decried his killing.

During Israel's Sunday cabinet meeting, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said: "We are really sorry about the incident in which Iyad Hallaq was shot to death and we share in the family's sorrow – but I am certain this matter will be investigated swiftly and conclusions will be drawn."

He said Israel will make "every effort" to limit casualties while continuing to "maintain the proper level of security".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not mention the incident in his remarks.

Tension has risen in recent weeks with Israel saying it hopes to move ahead with a plan to extend sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank – land the Palestinians seek for a state.

The Palestinians, Arab states, the United Nations and European states have warned against the move and the Palestinians have declared an end to security co-operation with Israel and its ally, the United States, in protest.