Israel’s defence minister apologised on Sunday for the police’s fatal shooting of an unarmed, autistic Palestinian man, EDNews.net reports citing The Guardian.

The shooting of Iyad Halak, 32, in Jerusalem’s Old City on Saturday, drew broad condemnations and revived complaints alleging excessive force by Israeli security forces.

Benny Gantz, who is also Israel’s alternate prime minister under a power-sharing deal, made the remarks at the weekly meeting of the Israeli cabinet. He was sitting near the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who made no mention of the incident in his opening remarks.

“We are really sorry about the incident in which Iyad Halak was shot to death and we share in the family’s grief,” Gantz said. “I am sure this subject will be investigated swiftly and conclusions will be reached.”

Halak’s relatives said he had autism and was heading to a school for students with special needs, where he studied each day, when he was shot.

In a statement, Israeli police said they spotted a suspect with an object that looked like a pistol. When he failed to obey orders to stop, officers opened fire, the statement said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld later said no weapon was found.

Israeli media reported that the officers involved were questioned after the incident. It said a lawyer representing one of the officers sent his condolences to the family in an interview with Israeli army radio.