'Attacks deliberately targeting civilians can never be justified under any circumstances', Amnesty International said today. 'We call on Islamic Jihad and other armed groups, Palestinian or Jewish, to stop such killings immediately'.

Since 29 September 2000 more than 150 Palestinians have been killed and at least 4000 have been wounded by Israeli security services using firearms to suppress demonstrations and violent riots in Israel and the Occupied Territories including the areas under the Palestinian Authority. In addition Palestinians have been killed and ill-treated by Israeli settlers and Israelis have been killed and ill-treated by Palestinians.

'Only a new mindset, by governments, opposition groups and individuals, which recognises that the right to life and physical integrity are basic and fundamental rights can bring an end to this violence', said Amnesty International.