AI condemns bombing in Rishon Letzion

Israel/Occupied Territories/Palestinian Authority : Amnesty International condemns bombing in Rishon Letzion

* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International *

8 May 2002 MDE 15/078/2002

Amnesty International strongly condemned the bomb attack that killed 16 people and wounded 50 others in the town of Rishon Letzion last night. Hamas has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

"The attack is shocking," Amnesty International said. "There is no justification for the targeting of civilians."

"Deliberately killing civilians violates fundamental principles of international law and we call on Palestinian groups and individuals to cease such attacks immediately," the organization said.

"Palestinian and Israeli authorities have a responsibility to bring to justice people within their jurisdiction who ordered and facilitated the bombing," Amnesty International said. "In doing so they must act strictly in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights standards."

"This cycle of violence can only be halted by placing human rights at the heart of ceasefire or peace negotiations, and a commitment by all parties to uphold the fundamental human rights of all."

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