Suicide Bomber Injures 15 In Tel Aviv

Palestinian President Abbas said the attack was aimed at sabotaging upcoming parliamentary elections (file) (RFE/RL) 19 January 2006 -- A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded area of Tel Aviv today, wounding at least 15 people.

The bomber, who killed only himself, targeted a small sandwich stand in a shopping area.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

A senior leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group praised the bombing as an appropriate act of revenge for Israeli hostilities.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says that the attack was aimed at sabotaging upcoming parliamentary elections.

Israel condemned the attack, saying it shows Palestinian authorities aren't doing enough to shut down militants.

(AP, Reuters)