Israel Arrests Six Suspects In Murder Of Palestinian Teen Mohammed Abu Khdeir

Israel has arrested six suspects in the kidnap-killing of Mohammed Abu Khdeir, according to an official speaking to Reuters. The initial autopsy of the Palestinian teen Saturday revealed Abu Khdair had been burned alive.

Six Jewish suspects were arrested Sunday but the source told Reuters more arrests were possible. The killing of Abu Khdeir led to rioting as well as rocket fire from Gaza followed by retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

The violence in the Gaza Strip has escalated. There was heavy rocket fire from the area in June as well as the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers. The bodies of Eyal Yifrach, 19, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel, both 16, were found in the West Bank June 28. Abu Khdeir’s body was found Wednesday.

Abu Khdeir’s family said the teen was killed in revenge and his funeral was marked by heavy clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police.

The Associated Press reported many Palestinians believe Jewish extremists were behind the killing of Abu Khdeir. The teen’s mother, Suha, was skeptical any suspects would be punished by Israel.

“They're only going to ask them questions and then release them. What's the point?” she said.

In addition to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces, militants have increased the number of rockets being fired into Israel, which responded with several rounds of airstrikes. Israel Sunday attacked 10 sites while increasing the number of troops along the border with Gaza, notes Reuters.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday, “Experience proves that in moments like these, one must act calmly and responsibly, not hysterically and hastily.”