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Cameron: Killings an inexcusable act of terror, Britain stands with Israel
Prime Minister David Cameron unequivocally condemned the killings of three Israeli teenagers after their bodies were discovered yesterday just north of Hebron.
Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaer, 16 and Naftali Frenkel, 16 were kidnapped while hitchhiking in the West Bank over two weeks ago and last week Israel named two Hamas activists from the Hebron area as prime suspects in the abduction. The fate of the youths has gripped Israelis who were told yesterday afternoon that the bodies of the three youngsters were found just several miles from where they were abducted.
Prime Minister David Cameron released a statement saying “I am deeply saddened by the news that the bodies of the three Israeli boys… have been found this evening.” He continued, “This was an appalling and inexcusable act of terror perpetrated against young teenagers. Britain will stand with Israel as it seeks to bring to justice those responsible.” Cameron added, “Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with the families of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal. No parent should have ever have to suffer such heartache or grief.”
Other world leaders also expressed outrage and denounced the killings. US President Barack Obama said he “condemns in the strongest possible terms this senseless act of terror against innocent youth,” pledging “the full support and friendship of the United States” towards the Israeli people. Obama also called on Israel and the Palestinians “to refrain from steps that could further destabilize the situation.”
The Vatican also released a statement condemning the killings as a “hideous and unacceptable crime” and an obstacle to peace. Similarly, the United Nations’ Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon called the murders a “heinous act by enemies of peace.”
There was no response from Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, who recently established a unity government backed by Hamas. However, Israel Radio reports that he spoke with several world leaders to discuss Israel’s potential response, which Abbas expects will include a demand to dissolve the unity pact with Hamas.