New York, NY, October 15, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today strongly condemned a terrorist attack on an American diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip.  Three Americans were killed in the unprecedented attack on an official U.S. group, prompting the U.S. Embassy to advise all U.S. citizens to leave Gaza.

"This unprecedented and tragic attack on American diplomatic security staff working on the ground in the Gaza for the betterment of both Palestinians and Israelis, once again shows that the terrorists know no bounds in their bloodlust," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"This unprovoked attack on Americans was carried out in a climate where terror groups are increasingly seeking out new and creative ways to use violence as a means to break down the peace process and destabilize the entire region.  Palestinian leaders have made no effort to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure as required by the road map, and the terrorists have taken this as a green light for further bloodshed.  The onus must be on the Palestinian leadership to put a stop to this campaign of terror."

The attack came in the wake of the October 4 bombing of a restaurant in Haifa, in which 21 Israeli civilians were killed.  Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for that attack.

In correspondence to President George W. Bush, the League expressed its outrage on the attack on Americans and condolences to the families of those killed.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.