UN chief condemns abduction of three Israeli youths, urges restraint

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the abduction of three Israeli students in the West Bank, urging everyone to exercise restraint and to support efforts for the release and safe return of the young people, who include two minors.

In a late evening statement from his spokesperson, Mr. Ban expressed his solidarity with the families of the abducted and called for the immediate release of the students.

According to media reports, they were last seen returning from lessons on Thursday, near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank.

Mr. Ban reiterated his deep concern about “the trend toward violence on the ground and attendant loss of life”.

He noted that a child in Gaza died yesterday as a result of a recent Israeli airstrike, and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.