Killing of Israeli Worshipers in Hebron

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the shocking and reprehensible attack on Jewish worshipers on Friday. The fact that these worshipers and Israeli security personnel who came to their rescue were gunned down on the way back from Sabbath prayers only adds to the horror of this attack. I express our deepest sympathy and condolences for the victims and their families. These kinds of terrorist acts can only do enormous damage to the Palestinian cause, and must stop. I note that the Damascus-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad has taken credit for the attack. It is impossible to understand how any country that claims a genuine commitment to peace can harbor such groups.