Straw statement on suicide bomb attack in Israel

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said he was appalled by the 'despicable' suicide bomb attack on a bus carrying schoolchildren in Israel.

Mr Straw noted the Palestinian Authority's condemnation of the attack but added that they 'must demonstrate to the international community that it is making a 100 per cent effort to crack down on terrorism.'

The Foreign Secretary said:

"I am appalled by this despicable attack in which so many have lost their lives. The detonation of a bomb on a bus carrying schoolchildren is an act of evil beyond words. My heart goes out to the families of the victims."

"Nothing can ever justify the use of terror against innocent civilians to advance a political cause."

"Attacks such as this only make it more difficult for the Palestinian people to realise their legitimate aspirations. They lower the Palestinian people's cause in the eyes of the world."

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