Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Kerry's "Vengeance" Language

First, on the kidnapping of the Israeli (and also one American) three youngsters:

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 15, 2014


The United States strongly condemns the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers and calls for their immediate release. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We hope for their quick and safe return home.  We continue to offer our full support for Israel in its search for the missing teens, and we have encouraged full cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian security services.  We understand that cooperation is ongoing.

We are still seeking details on the parties responsible for this despicable terrorist act, although many indications point to Hamas’ involvement.  As we gather this information, we reiterate our position that Hamas is a terrorist organization known for its attacks on innocent civilians and which has used kidnapping in the past.

Then, his statement after their deaths:-

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 30, 2014


The news of the murder of these three Israeli teenagers -- Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach -- is simply devastating. We all had so much hope that this story would not end this way. As a father, there are no words to express such a horrific loss that shakes all people of conscience. We pray for these three boys and their families, and together we grieve with all the people of Israel. Knowing that Naftali was also an American citizen makes this an especially heavy blow not just to Israel, but to the United States.

We condemn this despicable terrorist act in the strongest possible terms. The killing of innocent youths is an outrage beyond any understanding or rationale, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is a time for all to work towards that goal without destabilizing the situation.


The following is th statement by US Secretary of State John Kerry [July 2, 2014] on the apparent murder of an Arab youngster:

“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable and senseless abduction and murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir.”

“It is sickening to think of an innocent 17 year old boy snatched off the streets and his life stolen from him and his family. There are no words to convey adequately our condolences to the Palestinian people.

“The authorities are investigating this tragedy, a number of Israeli and Palestinian officials have condemned it, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has been emphatic in calling for all sides “not to take the law into their own hands”.

Those who undertake acts of vengeance only destabilize an already explosive and emotional situation. We look to both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of violence and bring their perpetrators to justice. The world has too often learned the hard way that violence only leads to more violence and at this tense and dangerous moment, all parties must do everything in their power to protect the innocent and act with reasonableness and restraint, not recrimination and retribution.”

As far as I know, he did not comment on her murder:

An Arab girl, Omaima Jaradat (15), was stabbed to death by her uncle in the village Kfar Sair, just north of Hebron, according to HNN. Security forces are investigating the reason for the murder.

As for "vengeance", that is a supposition.  It is unworthy of him to suggest that, especially as his condemnation of Hamas was based on "indications', a term he did not apply in the case of Muhammed Abu Khdeir.

___________

UPDATE

The NYTimes leads with but only one possibility:



As Tear Gas Wafts Outside, Palestinian Family MournsBy ISABEL KERSHNER and SAID GHAZALI
The father of an Palestinian teenager abducted and killedWednesday, a possible victim of Jewish revenge, said he did not expect the crime to be solved.

FURTHER UPDATE

Press StatementJen PsakiDepartment SpokespersonWashington, DCJuly 5, 2014

We can confirm that Tariq Khdeir, an American citizen, is being held by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem. He was visited by an official from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem today.
We are profoundly troubled by reports that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly condemn any excessive use of force. We are calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force.
We reiterate our grave concern about the increasing violent incidents, and call on all sides to take steps to restore calm and prevent harm to innocents.

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