Missile fired from rebel -held Ukraine: Obama
US President Barack Obama yesterday said that a missile fired from rebel-held territory in Ukraine downed a Malaysian passenger jet as he pressed for an international investigation.
Obama said that at least one US citizen was among the 298 dead. The State Department identified the victim as Quinn Lucas Schansman, who also held Dutch nationality.
"Their deaths are an outrage of unspeakable proportions," Obama told reporters.
"Evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile that was launched from an area that is controlled by Russian-backed separatists inside of Ukraine," Obama said.
Obama, while saying he was waiting for the full picture, highlighted that the pro-Russian rebels have in the past downed Ukrainian aircraft.
Obama, who earlier this week ramped up sanctions on Russia over the conflict, called on President Vladimir Putin to "take the path that would result in peace in Ukraine."
"I think it's important for us to recognize that this outrageous event underscored that it is time for peace and security to be restored in Ukraine," Obama said.
"Now is, I think, a somber, appropriate time for all of us to step back and take a hard look at what has happened. Violence and conflict inevitably lead to unforeseen consequences," he said.
OBAMA DEEPLY CONCERNED OVER GAZA
Obama yesterday also telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to voice concerns about the crisis in Gaza amid an Israeli ground offensive.
Obama said that while the US supports Israel's right to defend itself, "the United States and our friends and allies are deeply concerned about the risks of further escalation and the loss of more innocent life."
Israeli troops launched an offensive on the Gaza periphery aimed at destroying Hamas's network of cross-border tunnels on the 11th day of an assault in which 274 Palestinians, including many children, have been killed.
The US commander-in-chief added that Washington was "hopeful that Israel will continue to approach this process in a way that minimizes civilian casualties."
At least 1,920 Palestinians have also been wounded since the launch of the assault.
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