Ambassador Ivry's Response to the Aug. 9th Suicide Bombing in Jerusalem
Yesterday's suicide bombing in a crowded Jerusalem pizzeria was an inhumane act of extreme savagery. This attack claimed the lives of fifteen innocent civilians, including six infants, a five-person family, and two American citizens. Israel deeply mourns these tragic deaths and demands that the Palestinian Authority bring about a complete and definitive cessation of violence.
The Government of Israel holds the PA fully responsible for this heinous crime. Israel provided the Palestinian leadership with information regarding the mastermind of this attack. Instead of heeding our calls for action, they deliberately turned a blind eye. The PA's refusal to arrest perpetrators of violence is abominable and a clear indication of their intent to continue along this path of terror.
Israel demands that the Palestinian Authority fulfill its signed commitments to stop and prevent violence, arrest known terrorists, end incitement, and publicly condemn terror. We call upon the international community to exert pressure upon Chairman Arafat to abandon the use of violence as a political tool.
Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this recent tragedy and all innocent victims of terror.
