Norway condemns killing of Israeli teenagers

‘Norway condemns the killing of the three Israeli teenagers who were abducted nearly three weeks ago. Those responsible must be arrested and brought to justice, and further escalation of the conflict must be avoided,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

The three Israeli teenagers who were abducted 19 days earlier were last night found dead outside Hebron in the West Bank.

‘We extend our sympathies to the families of the three teenagers, and to the many Israelis who  have been so concerned about their fate,’ said Mr Brende.

The search operation that was launched following the abduction resulted in several tragic deaths. There were also reports of air strikes last night on targets in Gaza, and rockets being fired from Gaza into southern Israel.

‘Further loss of innocent lives must be avoided. I urge all parties not to allow this crime to lead to an escalation of the conflict, with retaliatory actions and further acts of violence. It is now more important than ever to establish a forward-looking political process that can seek a way to end the violence,’ said Foreign Minister Brende.