Tina Smith: “this morning, we awoke to the tragic news of what happened to the convoy of United States personnel traveling in Gaza.…”

“this morning, we awoke to the tragic news of what happened to the convoy of United States personnel traveling in Gaza. My condolences go out to their families, loved ones and colleagues. These brave Americans were accompanying United States diplomats going to interview young Palestinians for the opportunity to study in this great country on Fulbright scholarships--offering them a chance for a better life. These fallen men were the 48th through 51st American victims of Palestinian Arab terrorism since the signing of the Oslo accords in 1993 alone. Several of my colleagues have made mention of the fact today that Saddam Hussein rewarded terrorists who carried out suicide bombings in Israel. We must not forget that dozens of Americans were among their victims, and that many who planned and orchestrated these horrific acts remain at large today. The deplorable attack on the U.S. convoy sickens me. but it does not surprise me. It should have not been allowed to come to this. For far too long, the State Department has done little to bring the murderers of Americans in certain regions and incidents to justice.”