One dead in Israel van explosion

One person has died and nine others have been injured after a bomb exploded in a taxi van in northern Israel.

One person has died and nine others have been injured after a bomb exploded in a taxi van in northern Israel.

Police believe a suspected Palestinian militant in the van, who had been trailed by officers for 35 miles before the explosion, is responsible.

Three more of the victims are in a serious condition after the explosion shortly after 2pm local time near the Israeli Arab town of Umm el-Fahem. No one has claimed responsibility.

Israel's Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh says Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is responsible, saying he enabled such attacks by refusing to act against the militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

He said: "As long as activists of Hamas and the Jihad are walking around free in the West Bank and Gaza, the responsibility is of those who let them walk around freely.

"We see the Palestinian Authority as responsible for the situation."

Witness Ilan Zvuluni said he was a few carlengths behind the taxi van. "I saw wounded people lying on road, a boy among them."

Bentsi Saar, police commander of northern Israel, said: "Those sitting in the van, probably terrorists, set off the explosive device."

It is not clear, however, how many of the people in the van were involved in an intended attack.

In recent weeks, Israel has been on heightened alert for bomb attacks by Islamic militants. During the past five months of violence, Palestinian militants have set off several car bombs inside Israel, killing several people and wounding dozens.

more courts articles

Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London
Jack Grealish landed with £1,042 bill after admitting speeding in Range Rover Jack Grealish landed with £1,042 bill after admitting speeding in Range Rover
Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London

More in this section

Bambie Thug Israel’s Eden Golan performs at Eurovision final amid boos and cheers
Meghan Markle speaks to women about her Nigerian roots Meghan Markle speaks to women about her Nigerian roots
Donald Trump Trump may face £80m tax bill if he loses audit fight over Chicago tower – report
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited