Obama, Clinton denounce attacks on Israel(Photo-Video)

The White House and State Department denounced Thursday's attacks in southern Israel, in which gunmen armed with heavy weapons and explosives attacked buses, cars and an army patrol.

Israel said the Palestinian assailants from Gaza killed seven people after crossing through Egypt's Sinai

Peninsula. Within hours, Israeli aircraft bombed southern Gaza in retaliation.

"We condemn the brutal terrorist attacks in southern Israel today in the strongest terms," White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement. "Our deepest condolences go to the victims, their families and loved ones, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. The U.S. and Israel stand united against terror, and we hope that those behind this attack will be brought to justice swiftly."

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also spoke out against the attacks:

The United States condemns today's attacks in southern Israel and all acts of terrorism in the strongest terms. These brutal and cowardly attacks appear to be premeditated acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.

This violence only underscores our strong concerns about the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula. Recent commitments by the Egyptian government to address the security situation in the Sinai are important, and we urge the Egyptian government to find a lasting resolution.

The United States and Israel are united in the fight against terror. We hope that those involved in the planning of these gruesome attacks will be brought to swift justice. We stand by Israel as our friend, partner and ally -- now and always.