US Teen In Israel Beating Video Row Released

A 15-year-old American boy who was filmed apparently being severely beaten by Israeli police has been released from custody.

Tariq Abu Khadair was attacked in East Jerusalem as Palestinians protested against the brutal killing of his 16-year-old cousin Mohammed Abu Khadair.

Six Israelis have been arrested in connection with the murder.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

Tariq, an American of Palestinian descent who goes to school in Florida, spoke as he was released from custody and will be under house arrest for nine days.

Police claim he resisted arrest, attacked officers and was carrying a slingshot when he was detained during clashes with security forces.

When reporters asked the teenager who attacked him, he said: "I think it was the police."

He added: "I was standing and watching. I was watching the group of people and they came from the side of me and then grabbed me."

Mobile phone footage of the alleged assault was released by a human rights group that described it as state-sanctioned violence against children.

The US State Department said it was "profoundly troubled" by reports of Tariq's beating and demanded an investigation.

Israel's Justice Ministry said it was looking into the incident.

Mohammed was apparently burned alive and his death has sparked days of violent protests.

Palestinians believe he was killed by Israeli extremists in a revenge attack after three Israeli youths were abducted and found dead last month in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, Israel has launched a series of air strikes in Gaza, saying it was responding to Hamas rocket attacks.

Palestinian militants say seven of their fighters were killed.

At least 25 missiles have been fired across the border from Gaza over the past 24 hours.