U.S. Convoy Bombed in Gaza
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We want to get back to the Middle East right now, the bombing this morning of a U.S. convoy in northern Gaza. At least three Americans were killed, another American injured, said to be in critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility. The Palestinians strongly condemning that attack, and when U.S. officials arrived at the scene, they were stoned by people who had gathered nearby. The bombing now closely monitored by the White House. That's where Suzanne Malveaux joins us this morning. Good morning there. What are they saying?</s>SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill. Well, President Bush just left the White House for his trip to California. He did not take any questions on the bombing. But we have been told that the president was notified of the attack early this morning, and that the White House is gathering as much information as possible, that they're monitoring this situation. As soon as they have a better idea about the facts on the ground, they will be releasing a formal statement later today. But I can tell you that a senior administration official confirmed to us that three Americans were killed, one seriously injured, that this convoy was part of a mission, routine business that they were doing when they were traveling into Gaza, that no U.S. administration official was killed or harmed in this attack, but rather these were -- those were being employed by the U.S. embassy for a security detail. Now, several sources are telling us that U.S. Enjoy John Wolfe, who is normally in the area involved in negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, was not there in the convoy, but rather in Washington. Now, Bill, you know, it comes really at a very difficult time for the Bush administration, really a critical juncture for this Middle East peace process. The administration has been trying to get the Israelis to stop building a security wall in the Palestinian area in the West Bank. They have also been trying to get the Palestinian Authority to crack down on terrorist organizations, and trying to get the international community to dismantle and cut off the funds, as well as the political influence of Hamas. A very difficult situation for the Bush administration. We do expect that they will say, however, officials will come out saying that he is still committed to the peace process -- Bill.</s>HEMMER: Suzanne, thanks. We saw the president leaving earlier today. Hopefully later today in California possibly reaction on this. Thanks, Suzanne. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.