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Firefighters extinguish blaze on a Beer Sheva city bus.
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| By israelinsider staff August 31, 2004 |
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Just before 3 pm, suicide bombers triggered nearly simultaneous blasts on two buses in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva. 16 people are dead and 90 wounded, 3 in critical condition. Hamas in Hebron claimed responsibility. The blasts occurred in the city center, close to its municipal building. Israeli officials blamed the lack of a security barrier as contributing to the vulnerability of the southern region.
Terrorist access from Mt Hebron to Beer Sheva is unimpeded by security barrier whose construction has been held up for high court rulings. The government has not been able even to agree on the barrier's route.
Security sources speculated that the fact that the security fence has not been built in the southern area makes it easier for that region to be infiltrated. Internal Security Minister Tzachi Hanegbi said: "Where there is a fence, there is no terror. Where there is no fence, there is terror.
Security sources indicate that the source of the attack was the Kawasmeh terrorist clanin Hebron, and the Izza-Din al Kassam suicide brigades of Hamas. A flyer issued by the organization mocks Israeli claims that suicide attacks have been squelched, and promises a new wave of attacks.
The cabinet meets in emergency session tonight. Defense analysts speculate that a military operation in Hebron is likely.
The level of terror alert has been elevated in all parts of Israel. Wednesday the school year opens.
The last suicide bombing within Israel was March 14, when 11 people were killed in the port city of Ashdod.
Earlier Tuesday, Israel Defense Forces soldiers captured a Palestinian man carrying an explosives belt as he tried to cross into Israel from the Gaza Strip, about 25 miles from Be'er Sheba.
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