Statement by the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Middle East

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms the Palestinian suicide bombing in Jerusalem today that killed at least eleven Israelis and injured dozens more, including many children. He expresses his profound condolences to the families of the victims. As he has made clear repeatedly, the Secretary-General believes that such attacks are utterly reprehensible and only serve to spur further hatred and mistrust.

The Secretary-General appeals to all concerned not to allow the scourge of terrorism to blind them to the pressing need for an intensive effort to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He continues to believe that the roadmap for achieving a two-state solution being developed by the Quartet can play a vital role in breaking the cycle of violence and promoting a peaceful settlement. Stressing again that the conflict can only be resolved through negotiations, the Secretary-General urges all sides to desist from all forms of violence –as demanded in Security Council resolution 1435 (2002).