WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Thursday after Hallel Yaffa Ariel, a 13 year old American citizen, was murdered in the West Bank:

“I am deeply disturbed by Hallel’s murder and send my condolences to her family. Any murder is shocking, but the loss of an innocent child in such violent circumstances is heartbreaking, particularly in this instance when Hallel has nothing to do with the political fervor that likely motivated the assailant.

“The steep rise in attacks against innocent individuals in Israel is unacceptable, and I call on Palestinian leaders to condemn this attack and for leaders on both sides to recommit to a dialogue that makes meaningful progress forward.”

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