The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) firmly condemns the murder today of

17-year-old Mohammad Abu Khdeir in Jerusalem. The announcement of his death comes at

a time of escalating tension in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, with clashes resulting in

dozens of injuries today.

“We express our deepest sympathy to Mohammad’s family,” said Peter Maurer, the

organization’s president. “At this critical time, the ICRC calls on all sides to stand

unequivocally against the abduction and murder of civilians. The current spiral of violence,

loss and suffering must stop now.”

The ICRC is engaged in confidential dialogue with the Israeli authorities on the impact in

humanitarian terms of the ongoing situation. This dialogue is based on their responsibility

under international humanitarian law to protect the population of the occupied territory.