Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare telephone call to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, condemning the murder Friday of a Palestinian toddler in an arson attack and pledging a thorough investigation.

Netanyahu told Abbas "everyone in Israel was shocked by the reprehensible terrorism against the Dawabsha family" that killed the 18-month-old boy, his office said.

"We must fight terrorism together, regardless of which side it comes from," he added.

Netanyahu further told Abbas he had ordered the Israeli security forces to "use all measures to locate the murderers."

After speaking with Abbas, Netanyahu visited the Israeli hospital where the mother and brother of Ali Saad Dawabsha were being treated for severe burns.

The last time the two leaders spoke was on July 17, when Netanyahu called Abbas to wish him a happy holiday at the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Prior to that, the two spoke had not spoken since June 2014, when Netanyahu asked Abbas for help in ensuring the safe return of three kidnapped Israeli settlers.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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