Jerusalem bus explosion

Wednesday, 11 June 2003 12:00 AM

A bus has exploded in central Jerusalem killing at least 16 people, according to reports.

The explosion occurred on Jaffa Street. Ambulances have rushed to the scene. Reports from the scene suggest that the bus was completely destroyed by the blast. Estimates place the number of casualties at up to 50.

An Israeli gunship has since retaliated by firing missiles in the Gaza Strip.

The blast took place a day after Palestinian hardline group Hamas pledged to avenge a missile strike in Gaza that hospitalised one of its key spokesman.

US President Bush criticised Israel for launching the attack against 55-year-old Hamas leader Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, which killed two people and injured about 20.

He warned that it could jeopardise the peace plan and undermine efforts by Palestinians to end anti-Israeli violence.

'I am determined to keep the process on the road to peace and I believe that with responsible leadership by all parties we can bring peace to the region,' he added.

The attack by helicopter gunship on Mr Rantissi's Jeep is expected to shake newly elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's attempts at bringing peace to the region.

Hamas responded yesterday by firing rockets into a town in Israel, sparking a second Israeli helicopter attack that killed three Palestinian civilians and wounded 32 others.

Israeli premier Ariel Sharon defended the attacks saying that he was committed to the US-led roadmap to peace but would continue to fight the 'heads of extremist terror organisations that murder Jews and are enemies of peace.'

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the explosion yet.

Jaffa Street has seen several explosions in the past.

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