In an official statement issued on Thursday, the European Union (EU) condemned in the “strongest terms” the killing of a Palestinian boy in Jerusalem, stating that the perpetrators of this act must be brought to justice. The EU expressed sincere condolences to the family and friends of the 16-year-old Mohamed Abu Khudair and welcomed the announcement of Israel concerning a swift investigation. “We are extremely concerned about the latest developments which increase the risk of further escalation and we call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” the statement warned. The body of Abu Khudair -- who was abducted -- was found in Jerusalem on Wednesday, triggering clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police in the city. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Jewish settlers of killing Abu Khudair and demanded that Israel "mete out the strongest punishment against the murderers if it truly wants peace". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged police "to swiftly investigate who was behind the loathsome murder and its motive". He called on all sides "not to take the law into their own hands". Police said they had found a body in the wooded outskirts of Jerusalem. Abu Khudair's father told Reuters the force had told him the body was his son's. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/105368.aspx
