A Palestinian female suicide bomber blew herself up at the entrance of a shopping center in the northern Israeli city of Afula when a female security guard stopped her from entering. According to media reports, at least three Israelis were killed and aome 20 were wounded. It was the fifth bombing in two days.
"Our people are there treating the wounded," Israeli rescue services worker Doron Kotler told Israel’s Army Radio. He said the explosion occurred at 5:14 p.m. local time (14:14GMT) at the entrance of the shopping center. Rescue workers said at least 15 people were wounded, some seriously, and taken to hospitals.
Afula is located very close to the West Bank, and in particular to the city of Jenin.
The Islamic Jihad together with Fatah's Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the bombing. The attacker was identified as Hiba Daraghmeh, 19, from the West Bank village of Tubas. She was an English literature student, described as very devout by her father, Azem. Hiba left home Monday afternoon, telling her family she was going to class, her father said.
The Palestinian prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Afula bombing, and said the violence helped ease pressure on Sharon to accept the US-backed peace plan, known as the "road map".
Abdel Aziz Rantisi, a Hamas leader, said attacks would continue. "As long as the occupation remains on our land, and as long as the occupation soldiers are breathing our air we will continue our resistance," he said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
