Attack of a U.S. Embassy Convoy in the Gaza Strip

Statement on the Attack of a U.S. Embassy Convoy in the Gaza Strip

Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
October 15, 2003

2003/1039

I m outraged by the murder of three Americans and the wounding of one other today in the northern Gaza Strip.

The innocent Americans who died -- John Branchizio, Mark Parson and John Linde, Jr. -- were on a mission of peace as part of our Embassy team going to interview Palestinians for Fulbright scholarships to study or teach in the United States.

They were helping the Palestinian people. They were murdered by terrorists, the same terrorists who have killed so many others and who are killing the dreams of the Palestinian people.

Earlier today, I spoke with both Foreign Minister Shalom and Prime Minister Qureia and made clear to them, in the strongest possible terms, the need to move urgently to end terrorism.

With Prime Minister Qureia, I made absolutely clear that we cannot move forward to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without eliminating violence and terrorism. I also made clear that we expect full cooperation in investigating this heinous act and in bringing the murderers to justice.

[End]

Released on October 15, 2003

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