The UN Security Council (UNSC) has called for a swift and transparent investigation into the death of Palestinian Minister of Settlement Afffairs Ziad Abu Ein, Xinhua reported Saturday.

In a statement issued Friday night, the Security Council members also expressed their condolences over Abu Ein's death which occurred after a demonstration near Ramallah which led to violent clashes with the Israeli security forces Wednesday.

The 15-member UNSC encouraged the parties to "ensure that a swift and transparent investigation is undertaken".

Taking note of the Israeli government's willingness to conduct a joint investigation into the incident, the UNSC called on all sides to "exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from steps that could further destabilise the situation".