Scenes from today's terror attack in Jerusalem. |
(12:26) Suicide bomber attacks in downtown Jerusalem
By The Jerusalem Post Internet Staff
A suicide bomber blew himself up in downtown Jerusalem moments ago.
A civilian was apparently killed in the attack, according to police. Body parts from two individuals were found, leading to speculation the attack may have been carried out by a female suicide bomber.
Three people were seriously wounded, four suffered moderate wounds, and approximately 150 were lightly wounded from fragments or are suffering from shock.
The Jerusalem municipality has set up an emergency telephone hotline at: 1255023106, or 106 for Jerusalem residents.
The attack took place on Rehov Jaffa, near the Sbarro restaurant on the corner of Rehov King George, site of a suicide bombing last August in which 15 people were killed and dozens wounded.
A terrorist shooting attack took place nearby last week in which two women were killed and dozens wounded.
Ambulances are evacuating the victims to Bikur Holim Hospital, Shaare Zedek Hospital, and Hadassah-University Hospital, Ein Kerem.
For a JPost Radio report on the terrorist attack, click here for Media Player.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The prime minister's bureau said Israel will retaliate for the attack and holds Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat ultimately responsible.
Arafat is "encouraging terrorism, he's sending [attackers] to Jerusalem," said Ra'anan Gissin, a spokesman for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon . "We will continue to systematically dismantle the terrorist infrastructure."
The PA issued a statement condemning the attack, and called for a resumption of US envoy Anthony Zinni's efforts to broker a cease-fire.
Jerusalem police chief Cmdr. Mickey Levy, who was supervising security personnel at the scene, arrived at Bikur Holim Hospital complaining of chest pains and is being treated for an apparent serious heart attack.
He is in stable condition, Israel Radio reported.
For a JPost Radio report on his condition, click here for Media Player.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
-- Anonymous, January 27, 2002