http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/middle_east/newsid_1974000/1974009.stm



Tuesday, 7 May, 2002, 21:32 GMT 22:32 UK
bomb' kills 15 near Tel Aviv

Many people were reportedly in the building
At least 15 people have been killed in a suicide bomb
attack at a reception hall on the southern outskirts of
Tel Aviv.

More than 30 people have also been injured in the
attack, which happened at 2303 (2003 GMT) in the town
of Rishon Letzion.

The blast caused a ceiling
in the building to collapse
on top of people in a
banquet hall on an
adjoining floor, said
Yeruham Mandola, a
spokesman with the Israeli
ambulance service.

"Some of the wounded are
trapped in the building," Mr
Mandola said.

The blast occurred shortly
after IsraelPrime Minister
Ariel Sharon began
meeting with US President George W Bush in
Washington.

Mr Bush said he was sending CIA director George Tenet
to the Middle East to help build a unified Palestinian
security force, to fight terrorism. 'Huge explosion'

An Israelwoman said she was on her way home when
she heard a "huge explosion".

"turned the corner and saw the whole building go up
before my eyes, " she said.

David Baker, an official at the Prime Minister's office
called it "another murderous attack against Israelis".

"It is clear that the Palestinian Authority has not given
up its terror actions and has not has not given up its
murderous path," he said.