For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 19, 2004
Statement by the Press Secretary
We deeply regret the loss of life of innocent Palestinian civilians
today in Gaza.
While we believe that Israel has the right to act to defend itself
and its citizens, we do not see that its operations in Gaza in the last
few days serve the purposes of peace and security. They have worsened
the humanitarian situation and resulted in confrontations between
Israeli forces and Palestinians, and have not, we believe, enhanced
Israel's security.
We note that the Government of Israel has expressed its "deep
regret" for what it called a "tragic event." These events in fact
serve as a grim reminder of the wisdom of Israel disengaging from Gaza,
and having its security presence replaced by reformed Palestinian
security forces that will -- and must -- themselves act to stop
smuggling and halt terrorism. The roadmap calls upon the Palestinian
Authority to "declare an unequivocal end to violence and terrorism and
undertake visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt, and
restrain individuals and groups conducting and planning violent attacks
on Israelis anywhere" and to begin "sustained, targeted, and effective
operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror and
dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and organizations."
We have urged the Israeli Government to exercise maximum restraint
now. All parties should find a reason to calm the situation.
We intend to consult immediately with the relevant parties, which
include Israel, the Palestinians, and the Government of Egypt, about
effective ways to move forward against the smuggling of arms into Gaza
and terrorist activities there, so as to create the best possible
conditions on the ground leading toward the disengagement that we
continue to favor.
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