Murder of Israeli teens 'shameful': Abbott

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has written to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to extend his condolences on the abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers.

ISRAEL has vowed to hunt down the Hamas militants it blames for the kidnap and shooting of the three teens, who were found in a ditch in the West Bank after going missing nearly three weeks ago.

The crime has shocked and angered Israelis, who are demanding their government retaliate. In a letter titled "Dear Bibi" - Mr Netanyahu's nickname - Mr Abbott offered the thoughts and prayers of all Australians.

"The abduction and murder of these three innocent teenagers was a shameful act and one that we condemn, as we do all acts of terrorism," he wrote. "I hope the perpetrators are found soon and brought to justice."

Israeli warplanes have bombed the Gaza Strip and the government is considering further steps to deal with Hamas, which has vowed to retaliate if attacked.