31/08/2004

15 killed in double suicide bombing in Israel

At least 15 people have been killed and more than 80 injured in suicide bombings on two buses in southern Israel this afternoon.

Hamas has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks which occurred on the city of Beersheba.

The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was "deeply shocked" at the atrocities.

"Attacks of this kind cannot be justified under any circumstances. My sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those killed and injured," he said.

"We have urged the Palestinian Authority to make greater efforts to take action against those planning such despicable attacks and fulfil their roadmap commitments on security. More needs to be done by both sides to work towards a peaceful settlement."

Today's attack marked the first suicide bomb attacks inside Israel since March 14 when 10 people were killed in the port of Ashdod.

(gmcg)

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