The United States condemned on Monday the attack on Israel by terrorists who crossed the Egyptian border, AFP reported.

According to the report, the U.S. voiced concern about security conditions in the Sinai Peninsula in the wake of the attack, which killed Sa´ed Fachachte of Haifa, a Defense Ministry construction worker.

“The United States condemns today´s attacks -- deadly attacks, terrorist attacks -- on civilians in Israel from the Sinai and all attacks of terrorism in the strongest terms,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland was quoted by AFP as having told reporters.

“We remain concerned about the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula and call for restraint on all sides,” she added. “More broadly, we encourage the Egyptian government to find a lasting resolution to the issue of Sinai security.”

Monday morning’s incident began when a group of terrorists opened fire and set off an explosive at Defense Ministry contract workers who were working along the border fence with Egypt, near Nitzana. Fachachte was wounded and died shortly thereafter of his wounds.

IDF troops who were called to the scene began exchanging gunfire with the terrorists, killing three.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak later said that there has been a “serious escalation” in the security situation along the Sinai border and that the lack of Egyptian security control in Sinai was “worrisome.”

The U.S. reaction to the attack followed crucial presidential elections in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood declared early Monday morning that its candidate, Mohammed Morsi, had won the elections.

Washington also voiced concern over moves by Egypt’s military to strip civilian leaders of authority, after the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) declared sweeping new powers for itself despite the recent two-day presidential run-off elections. (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 06/19/12)