At least ten Israelis were injured lightly when a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up next to a bus at approximately 2:30 P.M. (local time) Sunday in the French Hill junction north of Jerusalem. The blast occurred next to bus number 22, which travels from central Jerusalem to the Jewish Neve Yaakov settlement.
Jerusalem police commander Mickey Levy said the bomber rushed a bus at the intersection and set off the explosives. The bus sustained heavy damage and several passengers suffered cuts from flying glass, he said.
The area is closed to traffic. Security forces are still at the scene.
Kfar Sava
Two hours earlier, a 16-year-old Israeli girl was killed and at least 15 Israelis were wounded Sunday noon when a gunman opened fire at around 12:50 P.M. (local time) at passers-by in the central city of Kfar Sava. The attack took place close to the city's Magistrates Court and the police station.
Israeli police launched a search for a second gunman after witnesses at the scene said that they had seen a man running away, Israel Radio reported. One Palestinian was subequently arrested, but was discovered to have no connection to the attack. Later, the police said that the Palestinian acted alone.
Regional police chief Aharon Franco said that the gunman apparently arrived on foot.
Six of the wounded have been taken to hospital. One female was in critical condition and later died of her wounds. Two were seriously wounded and the rest suffered light injuries.
Kfar Sava is located near the West Bank city of Qalqilyah.
Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's office condemned the attack, which came during the fourth day of U.S. envoy Anthony Zinni's mission seeking a cease-fire.
"Israel has offered a cease-fire, pulled back most of its forces in good faith, and this seems to be the answer Israel is receiving," said Sharon adviser Dore Gold.
Haaretz reported Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said earlier Sunday that Israel would respond to any attacks, despite negotiations for a cease-fire.
Bethlehem
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks have progressed deeper into Bethlehem, approaching the center of the city, Israel Radio reported.
Palestinians and Israelis have been exchanging gunfire for several hours. Palestinians sources reported the gunfire has wounded several Palestinians and that Fatah's al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade official has died of his wounds. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
