Three Kidnapped Israeli Teenagers Reported Dead
The three kidnapped Israeli teenagers, Eyal Yifrach, Gil-ad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel are dead. According to reports, their bodies were found between Halhul and Karmei Tzu on Monday. The remains of the three teens were found in a shallow grave in an open field by an Israeli search party.
According to Fox News:
“Binyamin Proper, who was among the civilian volunteers that found the bodies, told Channel 2 TV that a member of the search party ‘saw something suspicious on the ground, plants that looked out of place, moved them and moved some rocks and then found the bodies. We realized it was them and we called the army.'”
Buzzfeed Middle East correspondent, Sheera Frenkel, broke the heartbreaking news on Twitter:
As Israeli officials convene emergency cabinet in 45 min, rumors spreading that IDF found bodies of 3 kidnapped teens. — Sheera Frenkel (@sheeraf) June 30,
Initial reaction from the Obama Administration came via White House spokesman Josh Earnest, who told reporters:
“We obviously condemn in the strongest possible terms violence that takes the lives of innocent civilians.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened an emergency Cabinet meeting and and released the following statement, as reported in the Jerusalem Post:
“Netanyahu said that the three teens were murdered in cold blood, and that the entire country is weeping with the families. ‘We will bury the boys,’ Netanyahu said. Then, paraphrasing Haim Nahman Bialik’s famous line that ‘Satan has not yet created vengeance for the blood of a small child,’ he added, ‘nor for the blood of pure teens that were on their way home to see their parents, and who will never see them again.'”
In the meantime, there are reports of Israeli Defense Force troops moving in strength into the city of Hebron, and Israeli Air Force jets are circling over Gaza. Outraged Israeli citizens and elected officials have called on the government to put an end to Hamas once and for all.
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein spoke for the vast majority of Israelis when he said:
“In this time, I support the noble Shaer, Fraenkel and Yifrah families who taught us all about love for the people of Israel and mankind. Israel must fight an uncompromising war against terrorism in general and Hamas, specifically.” Edelstein added that the time has come for the Palestinians to learn that Hamas is leading them to the abyss and denounce the terrorist organization.”
Economy Minister Naftali Bennett added:
“There is no forgiveness for those who murder children. Our hearts are with the families. Now is the time for action and not talk.”
Former Israeli President Shimon Peres spoke about the murder of the three young men and reaffirmed Israel’s war against terrorism:
“The entire nation is bowing its head with unbearable sorrow this evening. Over the past 18 days the nation prayed as one that the fate of our wonderful teenagers would be that they are found alive and well. Now that the bitter news has come, the entire Israeli nation mourns the premature death of our finest youth … Alongside deep sorrow, we will remain resolute to punish the atrocious terrorists. Our war on terrorism will only intensify and will not waver so that this murderous terrorism won’t dare to rear its head.”
The Inquisitr will update as more information becomes available.
