Blast death toll rises to 18

The death toll in a bomb blast has risen to 18, Israeli television has reported today.

A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded beach restaurant in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa.

The attack targeted the popular Maxim restaurant on Haifa’s beach promenade on the southern edge of the city.

Police said the blast was set off by a suicide bomber, who had explosives strapped to his body.