A suicide bombing  that killed at least  five nightclub-goers at the Stage Club in Tel Aviv and broke a two-week long ceasefire  today (Feb. 25) was denounced by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as hurtful not only to Israelis but to Palestinians.

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s bombing in Tel Aviv," Rice said. "I offer our deepest sympathy to the victims of this terrorist attack, their families, and the Israeli people and hope for a speedy recovery to those injured. We have been in contact with Israeli officials to convey our condolences and our support against terrorism.

"Terrorist attacks, such as today’s bombing in Tel Aviv, not only kill innocent civilians, but also undermine the aspirations and hopes of the Palestinian people.

"It is essential that Palestinian leaders take immediate, credible steps to find those responsible for this terrorist attack and bring them to justice," Rice said. "We understand that the Palestinian leadership has condemned the attack. We now must see actions that send a clear message that terror will not be tolerated."

No group immediately stepped forward to take responsibility for the attack.
.   —Donald H. Harrison