Military

DATE=7/31/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL BLAST (L)

NUMBER=2-292616

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli police say a bomb has exploded at a crowded cafeteria in Jerusalem's Hebrew University. Initial reports from the scene say seven people were killed and more than 40 wounded. V-O-A's Sonja Pace reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israeli police quickly characterized the explosion as a terrorist attack and the Palestinian militant group Hamas claimed responsibility for the blast.

A senior Hamas official, Abdulaziz Rantisi, said on Israeli television that the bombing was in retaliation for last week's Israeli air strike on Gaza City. The raid killed the head of the Hamas military wing and at least 14 other people, including many children. He warned more attacks would follow.

The cafeteria was said to be crowded at the time of the explosion, even though the university is not in session.

The Hebrew University campus is located on Mount Scopus, near traditionally Arab East Jerusalem. Most of its students are Jewish, but there are Arab students as well.

/// OPT /// Tuesday, a young Palestinian blew himself up at a fast food restaurant in Jerusalem's commercial center. /// END OPT ///

Israeli authorities have said they are on alert for as many as 60 "terrorist threats." Palestinian and Islamic militant organizations have threatened stepped up attacks against Israelis. (SIGNED)

NEB/SP/JWH/RAE