The United States on Tuesday condemned in "the strongest possible terms" the attack in which four Israelis were killed in the West Bank, saying the attack shows "the enemies of peace" have been trying to derail the peace process. "We express our condolences to the victims' families and call for the terrorists behind this horrific act to be brought to justice," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "On the eve of the re-launch of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, this brutal attack underscores how far the enemies of peace will go to try to block progress." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas are in Washington now for fresh direct negotiations on Thursday at the urge of the U.S. administration. While chances of success were deemed slim by analysts, the upcoming talks were further overshadowed by the killing of four Israelis Tuesday by a gunman near the West Bank city of Hebron. The armed wing of the Islamic Hamas movement, which opposes peace talks with Israel, has claimed responsibility for the shooting attack. "It is crucial that the parties persevere, keep moving forward even through difficult times, and continue working to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region that provides security for all peoples," Gibbs said in the statement. (Editor's admin) |