[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S8492]]
               THE TRAGIC BOMBING AT MAHANE YEHUDA MARKET

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, yesterday in Jerusalem, the Mahane Yehuda 
market was ripped apart by two suicide bombs that detonated only 
seconds apart. At least 15 people are dead and another 170 are 
estimated to be injured as a result of this cowardly act. I rise today 
to strongly condemn the bombings, and to extend my deepest sympathies 
to the people of Israel.
  The images we have seen on the news have been heartbreaking. The 
bombs, packed with nails and screws, turned a busy produce market into 
a horrifying scene of bloodshed and destruction. There is simply no 
justification for this indiscriminate killing of innocent people.
  It has been reported that Issadin Kassam, a military wing of Hamas, 
has claimed responsibility for the bombing. This would not be the first 
time Hamas has terrorized the people of Israel and shown itself to be 
the strongest enemy of peace in the region.
  Mr. President, this small majority of extremists cannot be allowed to 
block the peace that so many people desperately desire. Everyone 
affiliated with the peace process must now redouble their efforts to 
stabilize this region that has suffered so long.
  Unfortunately, the peace process cannot move forward unless the 
Palestinian Authority keeps its promise to cooperate fully with Israeli 
efforts to combat terrorism. I am deeply saddened to report that to 
date, Palestinian efforts have been inadequate. Only by working 
together in good faith can terrorism be vanquished from the Middle 
East.
  Once again, I express my sincerest condolences to the Israeli people 
for their latest sacrifice in the quest for peace.

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