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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Statement by U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, on the Abduction and Murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir... "The world has too often learned the hard way that violence only leads to more violence and at this tense and dangerous moment, all parties must do everything in their power to protect the innocent and act with reasonableness and restraint, not recrimination and retribution."

http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/07/228699.htm?goMobile=0

Abduction and Murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
July 2, 2014

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable and senseless abduction and murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir. It is sickening to think of an innocent 17 year old boy snatched off the streets and his life stolen from him and his family. There are no words to convey adequately our condolences to the Palestinian people.

The authorities are investigating this tragedy, a number of Israeli and Palestinian officials have condemned it, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has been emphatic in calling for all sides “not to take the law into their own hands”. Those who undertake acts of vengeance only destabilize an already explosive and emotional situation. We look to both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of violence and bring their perpetrators to justice. The world has too often learned the hard way that violence only leads to more violence and at this tense and dangerous moment, all parties must do everything in their power to protect the innocent and act with reasonableness and restraint, not recrimination and retribution.

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Churches for Middle East Peace expresses its abhorrence and dismay at the news that the three Israeli students abducted on June 12 were found dead yesterday near Hebron in the West Bank. This is a horrific act for which there can be no excuse or rationale.

We also deplore the disproportionate response to the kidnappings by Israeli security forces that has contributed to the deaths of several Palestinian youths. This violence clearly is a symptom of a long conflict and occupation that must be resolved if more tragic losses are to be avoided.

We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint at this difficult time.

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