10 dead, 37 hurt in Israel bus blast

JERUSALEM -- An apparent suicide bomb blast tore apart a packed bus in northern Israel during the morning rush hour Sunday, killing at least 10 people and wounding at least three dozen, police sources and doctors said.

The blast occurred at the Meron Junction, which is between the towns of Acre and Tsfat, about 35 miles northwest of the West Bank. The militant group Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement received in Lebanon by Hezbollah's television station, Al-Manar. According to Al-Manar, Hamas said a suicide bomber had detonated the bomb. A senior police source told the Associated Press the dead included a number of soldiers.

"On Sunday morning, the passengers are regulars. Unfortunately, many of them are soldiers on their way to bases in the north," said Ron Atner, a spokesman for the Egged bus company.

Sunday is the beginning of the work week in Israel. Security is very tight in the area, with a number of checkpoints, Atner said, but it appeared likely that the bomber was able to board at one of the many stops the bus made.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Israel said the Palestinian Authority, led by Yasser Arafat, bore ultimate responsibility.

"This attack on an Israeli civilian bus is another prime example of how the Palestinian Authority feeds on terror," David Baker, an official in the Israeli prime minister's office said. "This Palestinian terror must be uprooted and Israel will not relent in its pursuit of, and war against, Palestinian terror."

Palestinian groups have carried out scores of bombing and shooting attacks throughout the 22 months of fighting.

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