Pelosi Statement on Direct Peace Negotiations Between Israel and Palestinians, Attacks on Four Israeli Civilians

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today hailing the beginning of historic direct peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and condemning the attacks on four innocent Israeli civilians near Hebron, in the West Bank, yesterday:

“Today, President Obama brought Israeli, Palestinian, and regional leaders together to work toward a future of two states living side-by-side in peace and security. This marks a moment of hope and courage for people throughout the Middle East. And it marks an opportunity for progress that will not be derailed by a single act of terror.

“Yesterday’s murder of four innocent Israeli civilians reflects the lengths some extremists will go to silence talk of peace and open a new chapter of violence. We must not let that happen. I condemn this attack in the strongest terms possible, and stand with Israelis and Palestinians alike who reject the course of destruction and embrace a path toward peace.”