Statement on Middle East Terrorism

I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that took the lives of 26 innocent Israelis and wounded at least 175 more in Jerusalem and Haifa during the weekend of December 1-2, 2001. I grieve for the lives lost on that weekend and for the hundreds of innocents, Israelis and Palestinians, who came before them. The continuing spiral of death and despair of which the latest brutal killings are part must end. We must acknowledge the shared humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians and recognize the pain of all those who have been victims of terrorism. In the words of Bat Shalom, Israelis and Palestinians must recommit themselves to the "principles of justice, democratic values, and equality." Meanwhile, the United States can and should play a key role as an honest broker in helping the parties bring about a just and lasting peace.

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