Spiralling violence leaves 'road map' in tatters

Israeli helicopters struck in Gaza City early today, killing two men – the second air assault within a few hours – and a teenage suicide bomber blew up a bus in Jerusalem, attacks that left 26 people dead, dozens wounded and a week-old Middle East peace plan in danger of collapse.

Twisted wreckage and broken bodies were the grisly outcome of the three attacks. In central Jerusalem, a bomber from the violent Islamic Hamas killed himself and 16 other people in a huge blast that lifted the heavy bus off the street, while in Gaza City, in two air strikes, Israeli helicopter missiles blasted two cars, killing nine people, including four militants.