As we have repeatedly made clear, Israel has the right to defend itself from
terrorist attacks. Hamas is a terrorist organization that attacks civilians, and
that claimed responsibility for the suicide attack today that killed one and
injured other Israeli guards at the Erez crossing.
The United States is gravely concerned for regional peace and stability. The
United States strongly urges Israel to consider carefully the consequences of
its actions, and we again urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint at this
time. This is especially true at a moment when there is hope that an Israeli
withdrawal from Gaza will bring a new opportunity for progress toward peace. All
parties should focus on the positive, concrete steps needed now to make the Gaza
withdrawal successful.