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The coalition of religious organizations that make up Churches for Middle
East Peace condemns the two bombing attacks that occurred in Jerusalem and
Ashkelon on February 25, 1996. We extend our condolences to the families
of those killed in these attacks. We mourn their deaths and pray for those
suffering from injuries.
The enemies of peace will use these deplorable terrorist attacks as a
justification for ending the peace process between Israelis and
Palestinians. These abhorrent acts must not be allowed to achieve their
goal. This conflict's history has repeatedly shown that acts of violence
and vengeance are circular and must be broken by a just peace that includes
peaceful coexistence, mutual dignity and security for both parties.
Such wanton acts of terrorism create legitimate security concerns and
responses. We hope that the Hamas members who have admitted to this crime
will be brought to justice and that the acts of those few will not be cause
for collective punishment of all the Palestinian people in the West Bank
and Gaza.
We commend the Israeli and Palestinian leadership for the assurances of
their continued commitment to stay on the path to peace. We call upon the
Israeli and Palestinian people to make their support for the peace process
known so that their leaders can persevere in the search for long-term
solutions to this conflict.
We call upon the U.S. government, as a full participant in the peace
process, to exercise an active role enabling the negotiating parties to
continue to find agreement so that the positive and constructive changes
that are so necessary take place.
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