The Palestinian American congress strongly condemns the attack on American civilians in the Gaza strip where three Americans died and a fourth was injured. The attack occurred hours after the United States vetoed a United Nations resolution to condemn the construction of the separation wall in the occupied territories.

We call on the Palestinian Authority to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Palestinian president, Yassir Arafat condemned the attack and called it:"An awful crime" and immediately ordered a full investigation to the incident.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia denounced the attack. He said: ''Westrongly condemn this incident and we will conduct an investigation and we will follow it to find the source of this attack."

Islamic Jihad, Hamas and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade have denied they were responsible. A statement by Islamic Jihad said the organization: ''has no intention to extend a cycle of confrontation with any nation ... except the occupation. Our battle is with the occupiers only.'' Linda Sobeh, President of the Palestinian American Congress said: " We are shocked and outraged at the senseless killing of innocent Americans in Gaza, and we send our sincere condolences to the victims families."

The Palestinian American Congress urges the American Administration to work with the Palestinian Authority to find the perpetrators, and not to allow this incident to deter them from pursuing a peaceful solution.