The United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned on Tuesday the murders of three Israeli youths by Hamas terrorists.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their profound outrage at and condemned in the strongest terms the killing of three teenagers,” said a statement released by the Security Council.

The members of the Security Council “extended their condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act and to the people and Governments of Israel and the United States,” the statement added.

The members of the Security Council also “underlined the need to bring perpetrators of these acts to justice, and encouraged Israel and the Palestinian Authority to continue working together to do so.”

“They reiterated the need to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and their protection and urged all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. They also urged all parties to refrain from steps that could further destabilize the situation,” concluded the statement.

On Monday night, hours after the bodies of the three teenagers were found, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the murders, saying, “There can be no justification for the deliberate killing of civilians.”

Ban also called on “all parties to abide by their obligations under international law and to refrain from any actions that could further escalate this highly tense situation.”

As Ban issued a condemnation of the murder, Israeli UN ambassador Ron Prosor demanded that Ban press the Security Council to condemn the murder of the three youths.

“In the past few weeks, Israel has come under attack and felt the bitter devastation that comes with Hamas in a Palestinian government,” said Prosor.

“Since the formation of the unity government, over 70 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel.

“Israel’s leaders have been very clear: we are prepared to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens from Hamas terror. Those who target Israelis with terrorism today will pay a very heavy price tomorrow. The Israeli government has a right and a duty to protect its citizens,” he added.

“The international community can no longer remain silent as the citizens of Israel are mercilessly murdered and terrorized,” said Prosor.