French President Francois Hollande on Monday led foreign leaders in condemning the “cowardly murder” of three Israeli teenagers whose bodies were found near Hevron three weeks after they went missing.    

Hollande “strongly condemns the cowardly murder of Eyal Ifrach, Naftali Frankel and Gilad Shaer and offers his sincere condolences to their families as well as to the Israeli authorities,” the presidency said in a statement.

Shortly after his statement, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron branded the murders an “inexcusable act of terror”, and said Britain will back Jerusalem as it seeks justice.

“I am deeply saddened by the news that the bodies of the three Israeli boys kidnapped on 12 June have been found this evening,” Cameron said in a statement. “This was an appalling and inexcusable act of terror perpetrated against young teenagers. Britain will stand with Israel as it seeks to bring to justice those responsible.”

“Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with the families of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal,” Cameron added. “No parent should have ever to suffer such heartache or grief.”