In the morning of 29 October, terrorists operating from the Gaza Strip under PA control, sought to blow up a schoolbus carrying some forty children, by a car full of explosives. The military escort foiled the attack. One Israeli soldier was killed and three others wounded. The attack raised again the issue of the PA's ability to control terror in areas under its rule. The Prime Minister telephoned Yasser Arafat, and the Foreign Ministry issued three statements: one from the Prime Minister and two from the Foreign Minister. Texts:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telephoned Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat this afternoon (Thursday), 29.10.98, in the wake of this morning's terrorist attack in Gush Katif.
The Prime Minister called on Arafat and his personnel to ensure that the Palestinian Authority is fully mobilized to combat terrorism, exactly as agreed at the Wye talks. Otherwise, progress in the peace process will not be possible.
Chairman Arafat assured Prime Minister Netanyahu that he would take appropriate action, adding that he condemns this morning's attack.
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The Foreign Minister strongly condemns the perpetrators and planners of the murderous attack at Nezarim junction in the Gaza Strip, in which one Israeli was killed and three injured. It is clear beyond any doubt that the terrorists' target was a schoolbus which travels regularly on the same route, at the same time.
Just when we expected from the Palestinian side determined and continuous action against terrorism, innocent Israelis have once again fallen victim to the terrorism which the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority was to have eliminated.
The Foreign Minister demands that our negotiating partners not only totally condemn the terrorist attack, but take decisive action against the infrastructure, the perpetrators and the supporters of such terrorism.
Only a few days ago, Israel and the Palestinians signed a Memorandum reiterating the Palestinians' commitment to the war against terrorism. This Memorandum defined stages of implementation, according to which Israel is to carry out its part after the Palestinians fulfill their obligations at each and every stage, including the war against terrorism.
This commitment must meet the test of reality. We expect our partners to the process to display the requisite determination.
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Personal Statement by Foreign Minister and Minister of National Infrastructures,
Ariel Sharon.
Following the terrorist attack today in Gush Katif in which one Israeli soldier was killed and three injured, Foreign Minister and Minister of National Infrastructures Ariel Sharon stated that he views the deliberate attack on a schoolbus with the greatest severity. Minister Sharon reiterated Israel's unwavering demand that the Palestinian Authority implement a resolute war on terrorism and its infrastructure, and step up its actions against them, in accordance with the commitments undertaken by the Palestinian Authority in the Memorandum signed in Washington last week.
Minister Sharon emphasized the gravity of the cowardly attack directed against children who travel daily to their school. He met with the head of the Gaza Coast regional council, Aharon Zur, from whom he received a detailed report on the incident and on the security situation in the area. Sharon expressed his condolences to the family of the soldier killed in the attack, and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.