Suicide bomber kills 9 in Tel Aviv restaurant

A 21-year-old West Bank university dropout blew himself up at a fast food restaurant in a commercial area of Tel Aviv during the Jewish holiday of Passover on Monday, killing nine civilians and wounding dozens in the deadliest Palestinian attack in nearly two years.

A 21-year-old West Bank university dropout blew himself up at a fast food restaurant in a commercial area of Tel Aviv during the Jewish holiday of Passover on Monday, killing nine civilians and wounding dozens in the deadliest Palestinian attack in nearly two years.

The bombing appeared to set the stage for a showdown between Israel and the Palestinians8217; new Hamas rulers, who called the attack a legitimate response to Israeli 8220;aggression.8221; Israel said it held Hamas ultimately responsible, even though a different militant group, Islamic Jihad, said it carried out the bombing.

Israeli defence chiefs were to hold consultations later Monday, but security officials said a possible military ground operation in Gaza, the base of the Hamas government, was not being considered.

The blast went off at about 1:40 pm outside the packed 8220;The Mayor8217;s Felafel8221; restaurant in Tel Aviv8217;s Neve Shaanan district. The restaurant had also been targeted in a January bombing.

The bomber, carrying a bag stuffed with 4.5 kg of explosives, approached a security guard at the entrance to the restaurant, witnesses said. As he was being checked, he detonated the explosives. Police said the guard was torn in half by the blast.

It was the first suicide bombing in Israel since Hamas took over the Palestinian government 2 1/2 weeks ago8212;and came shortly ahead of a swearing in ceremony in Jerusalem for the new Israeli parliament.

Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the bombing. The group identified the bomber as Sami Hammad, 21, from the West Bank village of Arakeh near the town of Jenin. Hammad8217;s family said he had studied social work in a distance-learning programme but was forced to quit because of money problems.

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The Hamas leaders defended the bombing. 8220;We think that this operation8230;is a direct result of the policy of the occupation and the brutal aggression and siege against our people,8221; said Khaled Abu Helal, spokesman for the Hamas-led Interior Ministry.

DANIEL ROBINSON