(16:30) Three dead, dozens hurt in downtown Jerusalem bombing
Z's note- the "Fatah Aksa Brigades" that took the credit for the bombing are the "Al-Aksa Brigades", a wing of Yasir Arafat's Fatah group. How can the world keep trying to trust Arafat?
http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2002/03/21/News/News.45658.html
A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up on King George Street in downtown Jerusalem shortly before 4:30 p.m., killing three people and wounding least 50. Close to 10 of the wounded are in serious condition.
The bomber carried out the attack near the intersection of King George and Hahistrdrut streets adjacent to a pharmacy, according to the Jerusalem Post's Etgar Lefkovits.
The wounded were taken to Bikur Holim Hospital downtown, Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem, and Hadassah University Hospital-Mt. Scopus, Israel Radio reported.
The hospitals have opened emergency hotlines for anyone seeking information on those wounded in the attack:
Bikur Holim Hospital: 125-5123
Hadassah-University Hospital, Ein Kerem: 125-5122
Hadassah-University Hospital, Mt. Scopus: 125-5121.
Overseas callers must first dial 972 before the above number. No area code is necessary.
The Fatah Aksa Brigades took responsibility for the attack, saying Mohammed Hashaieka, from the northern West Bank village of Taluza, near Nablus, perpetrated out the bombing.
Security forces have cleared the area, fearing hidden bombs or other accomplices to the bomber.
There was immense damage to stores and vehicles in the area.
"I saw a huge bloom of white smoke rising over the rooftops of dowmtown Jerusalem," said David Harris, bureau chief of The Media Line News Agency. "There was bedlam as police and haredi Jews ran towards the scene of the blast as all others fled in the opposite direction."
Harris said shopkeepers quickly locked up their stores in the wake of the explosion.
Security forces arrived on the scene within minutes, he said. |
