Nine killed in Jerusalem bus bomb

Nine people were killed in the Jerusalem bus bomb, apparently set off by a suicide bomber, police have said.

Dozens were wounded.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But the Islamic militant group Hamas has threatened to take bloody revenge for yesterday’s botched attempt by Israel to kill one of its leaers, Abdel Aziz Rantisi.

Police said the blast was apparently triggered by a suicide bomber who targeted the number 14 bus on Jaffa Street, Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare.

The explosion was heard across the city and ambulances raced to the scene.

“There was an enormous explosion,” a witness, identified only as Danny, told Israel Radio. He said some passengers managed to climb out of the bus after the blast.

Dozens of paramedics treated the wounded on the pavement and carried them away on stretchers.

The attack took place near Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s outdoor market, which has frequently been targeted by militants in the past.

Paramedics and police reported a total of 40 casualties, including 15 people in a serious condition.

Police said several passengers were killed.