The US this evening demanded that Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat "take every step possible" to quell violence in the Middle East after attacks that killed ten Israelis and injured many more.
"The latest violence underscores a need for Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority to take every step possible to reduce the violence and bring an end to the terrorism that is plaguing the region," said White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer.
"It's very hard to begin a political dialogue when people are still being killed in the streets and wounded in the streets on an almost regular basis, and that's why the president has focused so strongly in calling Chairman Arafat to reduce the violence, to take responsibility," Mr Fleischer said.
At the State Department, spokesman Mr Richard Boucher ratcheted up the pressure further on Arafat, saying that only actions taken by him could lead to the end of the suffering of the Palestinian people.
"Only immediate, serious and sustained efforts by Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority against both the individuals and the infrastructure of the groups that plan, support and execute violence and terror can make possible an end to the suffering of Palestinians," Mr Boucher said.
"We're deeply troubled by the fact that these groups continue to have freedom to conduct their actions," he said.
Asked whether Washington would condemn recent Israeli military action against Palestinian targets, which have also resulted in deaths of civilians, both Mr Fleischer and Mr Boucher demurred.
Mr Fliescher responded by reiterating US President George W. Bush's belief that "Israel has a right to defend herself."
AFP