Medics evacuate a victim from the scene of the Tel Aviv shooting attack on Wednesday. (Moti Karelitz/Flash90)
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump harshly condemned the recent bloody terror attack in Tel Aviv, citing the teachings of anti-Israel hatred rampant in Palestinian society as a driving force behind the violence.
By: The Algemeiner
“I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the outrageous terrorist shootings that took the lives of at least four innocent civilians and wounded at least 20 others in Tel Aviv yesterday,” Trump said in a statement on Thursday. “The Israeli security forces’ investigation is ongoing, but some facts have already emerged — and they are grim.”
On Wednesday, two Hamas-affiliated terrorists, dressed in black business suits, entered the popular Max Brenner chocolate bar/cafe at the Sarona Market shopping complex. After sitting down and ordering food, the terrorists — who it was later determined hail from the village of Yatta near Hebron — opened fire. Before being neutralized by security guards, they managed to kill four people — two men and two women — and wound many more.
Trump slammed Gaza-based Hamas for its celebration over the attacks and the terrorists themselves. “Just as fast as the condolences arrive from the civilized world is the praise arising out of the uncivilized one. Hamas praised the attack, calling the attackers ‘heroes.’ Reports out of Hebron indicate that residents of the terrorists’ hometown lit up the night sky with celebratory fireworks,” he stated, adding that it was “despicable” that one Palestinian “news organization” called the attacks a “Ramadan treat.”
Trump said the world understands “all too well the unspeakable horror that terrorism unleashes.” To address terrorism — “and address it we must!” — the real estate magnate called on the world to “recognize the parallel horror of the culture of religious hatred that permeates many Palestinian quarters. From schools that indoctrinate toddlers to grow up to kill Israelis to the daily menu of hate that spews forth from various ‘news organizations,’ change is long overdue in the Palestinian territories.”
The presidential hopeful said he hopes to forge a “future where peace can take root and terror finds no refuge.”
“The American people stand strong with the people of Israel, who have suffered far too long from terrorism. Israel’s security is a matter of paramount importance to me and the American people,” Trump said. “I express my deepest condolences to the families of the four Israelis who were murdered, as well as my wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.”
Also on Thursday, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton issued her own condemnation of the Tel Aviv attack, saying in a statement, “I condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Tel Aviv today. I send my deepest condolences to the families of those killed and I will continue to pray for the wounded.”
“I stand in solidarity with the Israeli people in the face of these ongoing threats, and in unwavering support of the country’s right to defend itself,” she stated, adding, “Israel’s security must remain non-negotiable.”