Recent Killings in Israel - 2002-08-04

A bomb explosion on a bus in Israel resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuries to 40 others. The incident occurred early today in the Israeli settlement of Zfat in the north during the busiest hours of the day. Among the deceased are several soldiers. The Palestinian militant group Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack. A few hours after this attack, 3 more people were killed in a gunfire exchange outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Israeli sources report that a Palestinian armed man opened fire near the Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem, killing an Arab and an Israeli, and was also killed in the return fire from Israelis. The President of the United States reacted to the violent events on Sunday in Israel, expressing deep distress at hearing about another explosion and adding that the world must unite to stop these murderous terrorists. He told reporters that some killers want to halt the peace process and emphasized that they will never succeed. The President stated that for humanity, for the Palestinians who are suffering and the Israelis who are under attack, such acts must come to an end. He added that people who aspire for peace must put an end to terrorism.