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BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities prevented a Palestinian from leaving to Jordan for medical treatment for cancer, the patient's family said.

Zakariya Dawoud Issa, 43, was sent back from the Allenby border crossing in an ambulance after Israeli authorities refused to allow him to cross into Jordan.

Issa, from Al-Khader near Bethlehem, was released from an Israeli prison in August due to his critical condition.

The Palestinian Authority civil affairs administration had received permission from Israel authorities to send Issa for treatment in Jordan but he was turned back at the border.

Minister of Detainee Affairs Issa Qaraqe said Israel had tried to kill Issa twice, first by delaying his release and now by procrastinating over his treatment.

He said his ministry would pursue legal channels to secure medical treatment for Issa.