Violence casts cloud over Mideast peace effort

OPENING Mideast peace talks under the shadow of fresh violence, US President Barack Obama vowed yesterday not to allow “extremists and rejectionists” to undercut long-stalled negotiations on creating a sovereign Palestinian state beside a secure Israel.

Standing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Obama condemned the killing on Tuesday of four Israelis shot while travelling near the West Bank city of Hebron. Hamas claimed responsibility.

“There are going to be extremists and rejectionists who, rather than seeking peace, are going to be seeking destruction,” Obama said. “The United States is going to be unwavering in its support of Israel’s security. And we are going to push back against these kinds of terrorist attacks. And so the message should go out to Hamas and everyone else who is taking credit for these heinous crimes that this is not going to stop us.”