IPU deplores killing of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers, calls for restraint

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has deplored the killing of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers and is calling for restraint in response to the escalating violence.

Deeply saddened and shocked by the deaths, IPU’s thoughts are with the families of the victims.

The Organization is calling for the Rule of Law to be applied in the region, for an end to arbitrary arrests and for a full criminal investigation to be carried out to ensure that the perpetrators of the killings are brought to account following due process.

IPU is also urging an end to bloodshed and for further deaths to be avoided in any response to the killings.

The Organization has expressed concern at the re-arrest of the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council Aziz Dweik, and PLC members Hasan Yousef and Mohammed Totah following the abductions of three Israeli teenagers.

IPU had asked that due process be followed in their cases and that, if there is concrete and convincing evidence of their personal involvement in criminal activity, that they are tried through proper criminal procedure or released immediately.

The Organization believes violence, which perpetuates violence, is not the solution to these killings or in finding a way to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

IPU remains committed to helping both sides to engage in a dialogue that re-establishes trust and confidence and so make progress on finding solutions to the conflict.