JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon expressed regret for the death on Wednesday of a senior Palestinian official after a confrontation with Israeli troops, saying the matter was under investigation.

"The incident in which Ziad Abu Ein died is being investigated by the Israel Defence Forces," he said in a statement.

"We regret his death."

The statement came as UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called on Israel to quickly investigate Abu Ein's death.

Ban said he was "deeply saddened" by the "brutal death" of Abu Ein, who was struck in the chest by Israeli security forces during a protest march in the West Bank.