Military

DATE=07/17/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT (L)

TITLE=ISRAEL-ATTACK

NUMBER=2-292155

BYLINE= ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=

CONTENT=

VOICED=

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INTRO: At least three people have been killed in what may have been a double suicide bombing attack in Tel Aviv. Police believe two bombers also killed in the blast, and about 40 others are reported wounded. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israeli police suspect that the explosion near the old central bus station in south Tel Aviv may have been a carefully planned operation, involving two suicide bombers.

The area has been sealed off as ambulances and police arrived on the scene to evacuate the wounded and search for other explosive devices.

Israel radio reported that many of the victims appear to be foreign workers.

The attack took place in a district crowded with small shops and stalls and is heavily populated by foreigners.

Palestinian Cabinet Minister, Saeb Erekat, condemned the attack, saying he was against the killing of all civilians, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian.

He says that the only way to end the violence is for Israel to end its military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The Israeli government blamed the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat for the attack.

Israeli Government spokesman, Avni Pazner, says that Mr. Arafat has made no effort to stop the bloodshed and the killings are likely to continue as long as he remains in power.

He says that Israel has no choice but to continue with a heavy military presence in the West Bank until the attacks are halted and the Palestinian people choose a new leader, who is willing to strive for peace with the Jewish State. (Signed)

NEB/MEM