Saudi newspapers on Saturday defended anti-Israeli bombings as a "natural reaction" on the part of the Palestinians in the face of the Israeli army's use of deadly force.
The car-bomb attack in Jerusalem that killed two Israelis on Thursday "created a new reality in which Palestinians are willing to sacrifice themselves by the thousands," said the daily Okaz.
"Without seeking to encourage or justify the Palestinian reprisals ... we believe such operations, which could be more severe, are only a natural reaction," said Okaz, which, like the rest of the Saudi press, reflects the official view.
Al-Madina, another daily, said the west Jerusalem attack had proved that the Palestinians could "shatter the security of Israelis and deliver painful blows they cannot handle".
"Thousands of Palestinians are ready to sacrifice themselves for the defense of the holy places of Islam," it said.
Al-Nadwa said the carbomb attack was "the natural consequence of the continued Israeli aggression against a disarmed people who have found no other alternative than such operations to respond to the crimes of Israel."
Saudi Arabia has taken a tough stand in solidarity with the Palestinians since their clashes with Israel erupted at the end of September. The violence has cost almost 180 lives, almost all Arabs – RIYADH (AFP)
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