ISRAEL-SYRIA . . . TERRORIST ATTACK GRABS LIMELIGHT

Monday, Oct. 10, 1994
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The militant Islamic groupHamas today claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack Sunday in Jerusalemthat killed two people and wounded 13 more -- including an American diplomat --in a crowded cafe district. The assault, in which two Arab gunmen raked thestreet with assault-rifle fire, occurred within minutes of Secretary of StateWarren Christopher's arrival shortly before midnight to push Israel-Syria peacetalks. It was also close by the King David Hotel where he's staying. "ClearlyHamas was trying to send a message to Christopher," says TIME Jerusalem reporterRobert Slater. It may go unread. The real issue tying up the process: Israelwon't pull back from the Golan Heights without a Syrian promise of peace;something Syria doesn't want to give without an Israeli pullout.