The grandmother of a Palestinian-American teenage boy who was beaten up during violent clashes in east Jerusalem last week said she’s glad her grandson survived the attack.
"I’m happy he didn't die. I’m glad," said Huda Abu Khdeir.
The family of Florida teen Tariq Abu Khdeir, 15, said the boy was beaten by Israeli police and detained during violent protests over the murder of his cousin, who was killed in what Palestinians describe as a revenge attack. The atmosphere in the region has been tense since three Israeli teenage boys were kidnapped and killed in the West Bank. Secretary of State John Kerry has been in touch with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation on the ground, and a representative from the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem was also present at Tariq's hearing on July 6.
"We remain shocked that he was severely beaten while in police custody and strongly have condemned that," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
IN-DEPTH
- Beaten Florida Teen Tariq Abu Khdeir Is Released on Bail in Israel
- Mom of Slain Israeli Teen Naftali Fraenkel Hopes for 'Peace and Calm'
- Autopsy Suggests Palestinian Teenager Was Burned to Death After Abduction (The New York Times)
