The United States says it fears for the stability of the Middle East after Israel killed a top Hamas leader and many enraged Palestinians say President George W Bush shares the blame for his death.
Hamas leader Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi died after an Israeli helicopter fired two missiles at a car in the Gaza Strip. Witnesses said two of his bodyguards were also killed.
While calling on all parties to show restraint, the White House statement said Israel should look carefully at the consequences of its actions.
But it also repeated the Bush administration's view that "Israel has the right to defend itself from terrorist attacks" - words that may fuel Palestinian anger.
Just three days after President Bush stood side-by-side with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and said he was encouraged by the Israeli leader's plan for withdrawal from some settlements, the US signalled new worries about the region.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1089681.htm