White House condemns teen’s murder

2 July 2014, 9:26 pm

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White House press secretary Josh Earnest says the United States “condemns in the strongest possible terms” the death of Abu Khdeir, joining a chorus of other condemnations.

“We hope to swiftly see the guilty parties brought to justice,” Earnest tells reporters. “We call on the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take all necessary steps to prevent an atmosphere of revenge and retribution. People who undertake acts of vengeance will only destabilize an already volatile and emotional situation.”

Earnest declined to say whether the US considers the teen’s death an act of revenge for the three Israeli teens, but said the US doesn’t want to see the situation spiral out of control and lead to further violence. (AP)