A Palestinian-American teenager was severely beaten by Israeli police prior to the funeral of his 16-year-old cousin, Mohammed Abu Khdeir who was burnt alive by Israelis last week.

A Palestinian-American teenager was severely beaten by Israeli police prior to the funeral of his 16-year-old cousin, Mohammed Abu Khdeir who was burnt alive by Israelis last week.

Tariq Abu Khdeir, 15, who was badly injured Thursday, was also sentenced to nine days house arrest in a Zionist Jerusalem court Sunday.

The family of Khdeir, who goes to school in Florida, said he did not instigate any violence.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement saying it is "profoundly troubled" by reports that the youth was beaten while in police custody and "strongly condemn any excessive use of force." The department is calling for an investigation into the incident.

Video broadcast on Palestinian TV on Saturday showed the boy being severely beaten and kicked by Israeli police while he was motionless.

Israeli authorities claimed he resisted arrest and attacked police officers during a protest prior to the funeral.