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.
ENDS