Two persons, including a baby girl, were killed and 53 injured, when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the entrance to a caf? in the Em Hamoshavot Shopping Center on Gissin Street in Petach Tikvah at about 6:35pm.
SECURITY GUARD AVERTED WORSE DISASTER
Police report the presence of security guards prevented the terrorist from entering the caf?, averting an even greater disaster. The bomb contained a large quantity of nuts and bolts as well as steel nails, to maximize the carnage.
SEVEN CHILDREN AMONG THE WOUNDED
Among the wounded are seven children; all of whom have been transported to Petach Tikvah\'s Schneider\'s Children\'s Hospital. One of the victims, a 3-year-old girl, is listed in serious condition and she is undergoing emergency surgery at this time.
TERROR ORGANIZATION VOWS TO CONTINUE ATTACKS
The al-Aqsa Brigade of the Fatah terror organization claimed responsibility for the attack. Hamas\' Sheik Ahmed Yassin released a statement vowing to continue to strike out against Israeli targets.
NO INTELLIGENCE WARNINGS
Police report there were no concrete intelligence warnings of an imminent attack in the area of the shopping center. Police and other security forces are continuing to operate round-the-clock to prevent additional attacks. Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer stated earlier this week that about 90% of the attacks are thwarted and efforts continue to stop the remaining 10%.
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION NUMBERS
Beilinson Hospital – 12-55-134
Tel HaShomer Hospital - 12-55-131
HaSharon Hospital – 12-55-132
Meir Hospital - 12-55-199
MANY TO BE RELEASED TONIGHT
Physicians have stated they are hopeful that most of the victims of the attack still in area hospitals will be discharged during the night.
SECOND TERRORIST MAY BE AT LARGE
Police admit another bomber may still be at large. Shortly after the bomb was detonated in the shopping center, a car was seen fleeing the scene and a manhunt was launched.
IDF CONTINUES OPERATING IN PA AREAS
The army at this time continues operating in PA autonomous areas, together with GSS (General Security Service – Shin/Bet) agents. IDF forces over the past day have been operating in Bethlehem, Dahaisha, Tul Qarem, Qalkilya, and other areas, making arrests and acting on intelligence data to thwart attacks. Senior terrorist commanders have been taken into custody and many suicide bombing attacks have been thwarted.
TENET PUTS VISIT ON HOLD
While a final decision is to be announced, senior US administration officials have indicted that CIA Director George Tenet, who is scheduled to arrive later this week, will be coming at a later yet undisclosed date.
SECURITY GUARD AVERTED WORSE DISASTER
Police report the presence of security guards prevented the terrorist from entering the caf?, averting an even greater disaster. The bomb contained a large quantity of nuts and bolts as well as steel nails, to maximize the carnage.
SEVEN CHILDREN AMONG THE WOUNDED
Among the wounded are seven children; all of whom have been transported to Petach Tikvah\'s Schneider\'s Children\'s Hospital. One of the victims, a 3-year-old girl, is listed in serious condition and she is undergoing emergency surgery at this time.
TERROR ORGANIZATION VOWS TO CONTINUE ATTACKS
The al-Aqsa Brigade of the Fatah terror organization claimed responsibility for the attack. Hamas\' Sheik Ahmed Yassin released a statement vowing to continue to strike out against Israeli targets.
NO INTELLIGENCE WARNINGS
Police report there were no concrete intelligence warnings of an imminent attack in the area of the shopping center. Police and other security forces are continuing to operate round-the-clock to prevent additional attacks. Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer stated earlier this week that about 90% of the attacks are thwarted and efforts continue to stop the remaining 10%.
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION NUMBERS
Beilinson Hospital – 12-55-134
Tel HaShomer Hospital - 12-55-131
HaSharon Hospital – 12-55-132
Meir Hospital - 12-55-199
MANY TO BE RELEASED TONIGHT
Physicians have stated they are hopeful that most of the victims of the attack still in area hospitals will be discharged during the night.
SECOND TERRORIST MAY BE AT LARGE
Police admit another bomber may still be at large. Shortly after the bomb was detonated in the shopping center, a car was seen fleeing the scene and a manhunt was launched.
IDF CONTINUES OPERATING IN PA AREAS
The army at this time continues operating in PA autonomous areas, together with GSS (General Security Service – Shin/Bet) agents. IDF forces over the past day have been operating in Bethlehem, Dahaisha, Tul Qarem, Qalkilya, and other areas, making arrests and acting on intelligence data to thwart attacks. Senior terrorist commanders have been taken into custody and many suicide bombing attacks have been thwarted.
TENET PUTS VISIT ON HOLD
While a final decision is to be announced, senior US administration officials have indicted that CIA Director George Tenet, who is scheduled to arrive later this week, will be coming at a later yet undisclosed date.