Israel retaliates after Haifa bombing
At least 20 have been killed and dozens injured in a suicide bomb attack in the port city of Haifa in Northern Israeli.
The explosion took place on Saturday afternoon at a restaurant called Maxim, which was packed with families and tourists.
Hospital officials say five children were among the dead.
The terror strike prompted senior Israeli politicians to demand the removal of Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat.
Part of the US-backed “road map” for peace in Middle East states that the Palestinian leadership must crack down on militant activity among its rank and file.
The terror attack, which came just a day before Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement – was carried out by a female Palestinian suicide bomber, police reported. The bomber shot dead a security guard at the entrance to the restaurant.
Israeli media stated the militant group Islamic Jihad group had claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Yasser Arafat has “vigorously condemned” Saturday’s bombing and urged militants to end attacks against Israeli civilians.
Israel responded with helicopter gunship attacks early Sunday morning on targets in and around Gaza city, including the Boureij refugee camp, according to reports.
Twin suicide bombings on September 9 killed 15 people in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
