    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 15, 2003]
    [Page 1312]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Terrorist Attack on Americans in the Gaza Strip
    October 15, 2003

        I condemn in the strongest terms the vicious act of terrorism
    directed against Americans in Gaza today. We are working closely with
    the appropriate officials to bring the terrorists to justice.
        Palestinian authorities should have acted long ago to fight terror
    in all its forms. The failure to create effective Palestinian security
    forces dedicated to fighting terror continues to cost lives. There must
    be an empowered Prime Minister who controls all Palestinian security
    forces, reforms that continue to be blocked by Yasser Arafat. The failure to undertake these reforms and dismantle
    the terrorist organizations constitutes the greatest obstacle to
    achieving the Palestinian people's dream of statehood.
        The Americans who were attacked today were pursuing a vision for a
    better future for the Palestinian people. The U.S. Embassy officials
    traveling in Gaza were there to interview young Palestinian candidates
    seeking Fulbright scholarships to study in the United States. This is
    another example of how the terrorists are enemies of progress and
    opportunity for the Palestinian people.
        On behalf of the American people, I send my heartfelt condolences to
    the families of the brave Americans who were killed and injured serving
    our country and its ideals.