US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said Monday the "road map" for the Middle East was the only course that will bring "durable peace and security." But she added that transforming the Mideast will require a commitment of many years.
Rice stated progress was achieved and played down the fallout from last week's suicide bus bombing in Jerusalem and Israel's strikes against Palestinian activists in the Gaza Strip. "Despite the horrific events of recent days, we have seen progress toward peace for Israelis and Palestinians," Rice commented. "The terrorists will not succeed."
She noted Israeli leaders "increasingly understand that it is in Israel's interest for Palestinians to govern themselves in a state that is viable and peaceful and democratic and committed to fighting terror." "Israel has to fulfill its responsibilities to help that peaceful change take place," Rice stressed.
Earlier, two home-made Qassam rockets landed inside Israel near the Gaza Strip. The rockets landed near greenhouses at next to the Israeli town of Ofakim. The rockets caused no injuries.
Also on Monday, the Hamas military wing vowed revenge for Israel's assassination of two senior Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip the night before. Hamas has threatened to retaliate with rocket attacks and suicide bombings. (Albawaba.com)
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