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12/06/2003
Government condemns new wave of Middle East killings
The British government has condemned the latest wave of killings in the Middle East, which has seen at least 23 deaths in the past two days.
The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, condemned yesterday's suicide bomb attack in Jerusalem, in which 16 people died and more than were 100 injured.
The outrage was followed less than an hour later by an Israeli Defence Force helicopter gunship attack in Gaza City which claimed the lives of at least seven people.
Mr Straw said: "I utterly condemn [the] appalling suicide attack on a bus in Jerusalem. My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of the innocent civilians killed, and with those injured. I am also concerned by reports of further loss of life as a result of Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.
"I call on all parties to do everything they can to prevent further bloodshed. It would be a tragic waste at this stage to return to the spiral of violence and retaliation that has characterised the last two years. Implementation of the Roadmap by both sides offers the best hope for the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians who desperately want a just peace. The people of violence must not be allowed to derail efforts to achieve peace."
The Palestinian suicide bomb attack was in retaliation to the attempted assassination of Hamas leader Abdul Aziz Al-Rantisi on Tuesday.
Israeli authorities say that the bomber, who was dressed as an ultra-Orthodox Jew, boarded a bus shortly after 5.30pm which then travelled down a main shopping area.
When the bomb was detonated it killed passengers and injured dozens of passers-by. Local media report that 51 people remain in hospital today – 10 of whom are seriously injured.
Izzadin al-Kassam, the military wing of Hamas, took responsibility for the attack, in announcements in the mosques of Gaza and on the Internet. Further reports indicate that the bomber was an 18-year-old high school pupil from Hebron.
The Palestinian Authority has suggested that Tuesday's Rantisi assassination attempt was related to a visit by the head of the Egyptian intelligence, Omar Sulaiman, to Ramallah to mediate a truce agreement between the Abbas’ government and Hamas. And so scupper a move to bring about an end to the intifada.
Israel has countered saying that the preparation for the Jerusalem suicide bomb outrage must have been carried out many days beforehand. It would have come irrespective of Israel's actions, authorities have said.
And it has been reported today that a further six Palestinians have been killed in a third Israeli gunship strike.
Initial reports suggest that up to 25 people were injured in the attack which saw four or five missiles being fired at a car in Gaza City. The car allegedly contained senior Hamas figures.
(GMcG)
The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, condemned yesterday's suicide bomb attack in Jerusalem, in which 16 people died and more than were 100 injured.
The outrage was followed less than an hour later by an Israeli Defence Force helicopter gunship attack in Gaza City which claimed the lives of at least seven people.
Mr Straw said: "I utterly condemn [the] appalling suicide attack on a bus in Jerusalem. My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of the innocent civilians killed, and with those injured. I am also concerned by reports of further loss of life as a result of Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.
"I call on all parties to do everything they can to prevent further bloodshed. It would be a tragic waste at this stage to return to the spiral of violence and retaliation that has characterised the last two years. Implementation of the Roadmap by both sides offers the best hope for the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians who desperately want a just peace. The people of violence must not be allowed to derail efforts to achieve peace."
The Palestinian suicide bomb attack was in retaliation to the attempted assassination of Hamas leader Abdul Aziz Al-Rantisi on Tuesday.
Israeli authorities say that the bomber, who was dressed as an ultra-Orthodox Jew, boarded a bus shortly after 5.30pm which then travelled down a main shopping area.
When the bomb was detonated it killed passengers and injured dozens of passers-by. Local media report that 51 people remain in hospital today – 10 of whom are seriously injured.
Izzadin al-Kassam, the military wing of Hamas, took responsibility for the attack, in announcements in the mosques of Gaza and on the Internet. Further reports indicate that the bomber was an 18-year-old high school pupil from Hebron.
The Palestinian Authority has suggested that Tuesday's Rantisi assassination attempt was related to a visit by the head of the Egyptian intelligence, Omar Sulaiman, to Ramallah to mediate a truce agreement between the Abbas’ government and Hamas. And so scupper a move to bring about an end to the intifada.
Israel has countered saying that the preparation for the Jerusalem suicide bomb outrage must have been carried out many days beforehand. It would have come irrespective of Israel's actions, authorities have said.
And it has been reported today that a further six Palestinians have been killed in a third Israeli gunship strike.
Initial reports suggest that up to 25 people were injured in the attack which saw four or five missiles being fired at a car in Gaza City. The car allegedly contained senior Hamas figures.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
