(Update 9:50) At least ten people are reported killed in an explosion on a bus in Jerusalem this morning. Some 50 people are reported injured, at least ten of them critically. The explosion occurred on bus number 19 in Gaza Road, near the corner with Arlozorov Street in Jerusalem's Rehavia district, just before 9:00 am.
According to the Israel Police, the explosion was a suicide bomb attack.
The site of the attack is close to the prime minister’s residence in Balfour Street. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was at his Sycamore Farm in the Negev at the time.
The Ynet website quotes Israeli political sources as saying that this morning's attack will not affect the prisoner exchange due to take place today under a deal with Hizbullah brokered by German mediators. The deal includes the release of Palestinians held in Israel. The sources said "The terrible pictures from Rehavia should be sent to every one of the judges in The Hague," referring to the pending hearing in the International Court of Justice on the security fence Israel is building in the West Bank.
Ynet said that Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz received news of the terrorist atack during a discussion with US envoys David Sutterfield and John Wolf on alleviating conditions for the Palestinians. Mofaz will review the situation with defense establishment chiefs this afternoon.
The Palestinian Authority condemned this morning's attack. "We condemn any attack on civilians, whether Israeli or Palestinian," Saeb Erekat, a senior figure in the Palestinian Authority said. He called for an end to Israeli occupation and a stepping up of peace efforts.
Hospital emergency information numbers:
- Hadassa Ein Kerem - 1255 122
- Hadassa Mount Scopus - 1255 121
- Bikur Holim - 1255 123
- Shaarei Zedek - 1255 125
Emergency number for non-Hebrew speakers - 1255 081010
Fax numbers for information for the hard of hearing:
- Hadassa Ein Kerem - 02 643 0255
- Hadassa Mount Scopus - 02 584 4972
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on January 29, 2004