Clinton condemns terrorist attack in Jerusalem

Washington, Apr 19: Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton has condemned the terrorist attack in a bus in Jerusalem which left at least 21 people injured.

"I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Jerusalem - my thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and their families, and I pray for their recovery. This attack comes in the midst of a wave of violence that has rocked Israel for months," Clinton said in a statement.

'Israelis have been living in fear of going about their daily lives - going to the store, to the boardwalk, riding the bus. All of us, including Palestinian leaders, must condemn such violence," she said. "I will always stand with Israel's right and ability to defend itself - it's security is non-negotiable. Israel must continue to know that it has no greater friend than the US," Clinton said.

Both the State Department and the White House said they have seen such news reports, but no condemnation came from them. "Obviously we're aware of those reports, and law enforcement officials in Israel are taking a close look at this, as they should. And I'm confident that they'll take a close look at this and that US officials will stay in touch with them on this matter," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters.

"We certainly have seen the reports of this explosion on a bus in Jerusalem. We're watching this as closely as we can," State Department Spokesman John Kirby said. "Israeli authorities are really a better source of information at this time.

I don't have any more specific information about the exact cause or if it – I know they've said they’re treating this as if it was an act of terrorism," he said. A bomb blast ripped through a bus and sparked a fire, in Jerusalem yesterday wounding at least 21 people.

PTI