Cameron urges caution in response to murdered teenagers

David Cameron has cautioned Israel to be careful in its response to the murder of three teenagers to avoid further escalation in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister was urged to support Israel to “take out Hamas terrorist networks” after the bodies of three Israeli teenagers were found in the West Bank more than two weeks after they went missing.

Tensions have mounted between Israel and the Palestinians, with Hamas accused by Israel of abducting the youths as they were hitch-hiking home – a claim denied repeatedly by the Palestinian terror  group.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Cameron reiterated his condemnation of the deaths as he told MPs: “This was an absolutely appalling and inexcusable act of terror, and one can only imagine the effect on the families and the friends of these poor teenagers and what happened to them.

“I think it’s very important Britain will stand with Israel as it seeks to bring to justice those who are responsible.

“We also welcome the fact that (Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas) has firmly condemned the abduction and actually tried to help find these people.

“It is important… all security operations are conducted with care so that further escalation is avoided.

“But the people responsible for this should be found and brought to justice.”

Mr Cameron was replying to Tory Robert Halfon (Harlow), who asked the PM: “The world has seen the tragic and brutal murders of three Israeli youngsters, most probably by Hamas.

“Will you give the Israeli government every possible support at this time and do you not agree with me, far from showing restraint, Israel must do everything possible to take out Hamas terrorist networks, and will you give the Israeli government support in this?”