Statement by the President on Bombing in Jerusalem

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the bombing in Jerusalem today, as well as the rockets and mortars fired from Gaza in recent days. Together with the American people, I offer my deepest condolences for those injured or killed.   There is never any possible justification for terrorism. The United States calls on the groups responsible to end these attacks at once and we underscore that Israel, like all nations, has a right to self-defense.  We also express our deepest condolences for the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza yesterday.  We stress the importance of calm and urge all parties to do everything in their power to prevent further violence and civilian casualties.