US Secretary of State Rice condemns Tel Aviv bombing – USDOS press release/Non-UN document

Rice Condemns Tel Aviv Bombing

Secretary says such attacks undermine Palestinian hopes

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has condemned “in the strongest possible terms” a bombing attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 25.

In a statement issued by the State Department spokesman, Rice offered her “deepest sympathy” to the victims and their families, and said the United States has been “in contact with Israeli officials to convey our condolences and our support against terrorism."

At least four people were killed in the Tel Aviv attack when a suicide bomber blew himself up amid a crowd of young Israelis waiting to enter a nightclub near the beachfront.  It was the first major attack since Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met in Egypt February 8 and called for an end to violence.

The secretary called on Palestinian leaders to “take immediate, credible steps to find those responsible for this terrorist attack and bring them to justice,” and “to send a clear message that terror will not be tolerated."

Not only do such attacks kill innocent civilians, Rice said in her statement, but they also undermine “the aspirations and hopes of the Palestinian people.”

Rice is scheduled to meet in London on March 1 with Abbas and other leaders to discuss ways to support Palestinian political institutions, build security and invigorate the Palestinian economy.

Following is the secretary’s statement on the Tel Aviv bombing:

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
February 25, 2005

Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

I condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s bombing in Tel Aviv.  I offer our deepest sympathy to the victims of this terrorist attack, their families, and the Israeli people and hope for a speedy recovery to those injured.  We have been in contact with Israeli officials to convey our condolences and our support against terrorism.

Terrorist attacks, such as today’s bombing in Tel Aviv, not only kill innocent civilians, but also undermine the aspirations and hopes of the Palestinian people. 

It is essential that Palestinian leaders take immediate, credible steps to find those responsible for this terrorist attack and bring them to justice.  We understand that the Palestinian leadership has condemned the attack.  We now must see actions that send a clear message that terror will not be tolerated.