On the Palestinian shooting

The deadlock in the peace process and the absence of an Israeli, American or Palestinian initiative, will continue to nourish the violent dialogue of (Palestinian) terrorist attacks and (Israeli) assassinations. The declaration, attributed Thursday to Hamas, about a general war against Israel is the latest testimony to the nature of the escalation which can be expected. In such a situation, in which political wisdom is absent, one can only demand and hope that Israel will impose maximum restraint on its forces. They should prevent terrorist attacks, but not punish. This war is against terrorism, not against the Palestinian Authority.

-- Ha'aret, Tel Aviv, Israel