A Palestinian minister has died after a confrontation with Israeli troops in the West Bank.

Ziad Abu Ein was taking part in a tree-planting demonstration in Turmus Aya when, according to reports, he was hit in the chest by an Israeli soldier's helmet. Tear gas was also fired.

The minister then began to experience breathing problems, and died while he was being taken to hospital by ambulance.

Announcing three days of national mourning, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas called Mr Abu Ein's death "a barbaric act which we cannot be silent about or accept."

About 100 foreign and Palestinian activists were on their way to plant trees near an Israeli settlement when they were stopped at an improvised checkpoint.

A group of around 15 Israeli soldiers fired tear gas at the protesters and began scuffling with them, witnesses said.

One marcher said Mr Abu Ein marched toward the soldiers ahead of everyone else, until he was stopped by a soldier.

He said the soldier headbutted the politician then hit him in the chest with his rifle butt.