I condemn without reservation the appalling attack near the city of Hebron in which four Israeli civilians were murdered.

I wish to offer my condolences to their families.

This deplorable attack is aimed solely at undermining the prospects of peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

Its perpetrators must not be allowed to succeed.

As the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Salaam Fayyad has pointed out, the attack is detrimental to the genuine interests of the Palestinian people. I echo his call on all Palestinian citizens to remain committed to peaceful resistance to the Israeli occupation.

On the eve of the opening of the Washington talks tomorrow (2nd September), I urge both sides to enter into the negotiations with a determination to move closer to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the entire region.