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CNN Live Event/Special

America Under Attack: Not Everyone Sympathetic with American Victims

Aired September 12, 2001 - 06:44   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Reverberations on Wall Street and markets around the world, as well as people on both sides of the Middle East conflict. And they are watching the U.S. very closely today.

Both Israeli and Palestinian officials are denouncing yesterday's atrocity, but not all are sympathetic with American victims.

More now from CNN's Jerusalem bureau chief Mike Hanna.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE HANNA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Intense security around the U.S. Embassy in Israel and residents in a region that suffered incessant violence watch closely the unfolding tragedy in the United States.

As news of the attack spread in East Jerusalem and Nablus, some took to the streets in celebration -- isolated groups of Palestinians who view the U.S. as an enemy, because of its perceived support for Israel.

But radical Palestinian groups denied any involvement in the planning or execution of the tragic events, and Palestinian leaders condemned the attacks in the strongest of terms, offering the deepest commiserations to the American people.

YASSER ARAFAT, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY PRESIDENT: It was very (UNINTELLIGIBLE) killed so many (ph) for anyone (ph) to speak about what has happened. It is not only against the Americans. It is not only against the American people or against (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's against the whole international human beings.

HANNA: Condemnation and commiseration, too, from the Israeli government.

SHIMON PERES, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER: It is most difficult hour all Israelis stand as one with the American people. Our hearts are with you, and we are ready to provide any assistance at any time.

HANNA: Several hours at the attack, Israel announced it was closing its airspace to all international flights, apart from its own El Al airline. (on camera): In addition, Israel has closed all land crossings into neighboring countries, this not in response to any specific threats, say security sources, but a general tightening of already intense security.

Mike Hanna, CNN, Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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