The killing has raged on and on for more than 18 months. Last week, as the Middle East conflict threatened to turn into an all-out war, President George W. Bush declared, "Enough is enough." In a speech last Thursday, he announced that Secretary of State Colin Powell would travel to the region and try to reopen peace talks. "The storms of violence cannot go on," the President insisted.
Powell's task is a tough one. Last week, Israeli troops and tanks stormed Palestinian cities in the West Bank, including Bethlehem. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was trapped in his headquarters in Ramallah.
The Israeli assault was triggered by a string of deadly suicide attacks against Israelis, including one during a Passover celebration. Over six days, Palestinian suicide bombers killed more than 40 Israelis and injured 120. Israeli forces killed 70 Palestinians and injured 150 during the same period.
Israel says it must protect itself from further attacks. The Israeli army raided cities where Palestinian militants are believed to be hiding, arresting hundreds.
Bush was tough on both sides. He called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities and demanded Arafat stop the suicide bombings.