Jerusalem blast triggers fears of retaliation

By Kesava Menon

MANAMA, AUG. 9. At least eight people, and perhaps as many as nine, were killed and 75 injured in a blast in Jerusalem this afternoon. Islamic Jehad is said to have claimed responsibility for the attack and the Israeli security Cabinet was in emergency session and believed to be deciding on retaliatory measures.

The explosion took place in a pizza parlour in the heart of West Jerusalem during the lunch period. The restaurant is situated on the junction between Jaffa Street, West Jerusalem's main artery, and King George Avenue. Four pedestrian crossings at this junction are usually packed with people at any time of the day especially during lunch break as are the several bus stops that abut it. All the roads moving off the junction are lined with shops and with the weather in Jerusalem being somewhat cooler than the rest of Israel at this time of the year a high rate of casualties was guaranteed once an explosion took place. It would not be surprising of foreigners are among the dead and injured since Jaffa street provides a get-away from the pilgrim and tourist beats of the city.

It was not clear whether the attack was the work of a suicide bomber or whether the bomb had been planted by an attacker who managed to get away. This was the most serious attack since the bombing in the Dolphinarium in Tel Aviv weeks ago that had led to the acceptance of a cease-fire by the Palestinian Authority President, Mr. Yasser Arafat.

While a strong condemnatory statement can be expected from the Palestinian Authority, its officials were also quick to point out that Mr. Arafat is powerless to prevent militant groups from carrying out all activities. Palestinians also point out that the oppression they are facing at Israel's hands creates the atmosphere which induces the militants to carry out such attacks.

An Israeli retaliation appears dead certain. The Israeli government had refrained from a major retaliatory strike after the Dolphinarium attack but it has warned several times that restraint will not be exercised indefinitely. Since the Dolphinarium attack, Israel has steadily pushed forward its policy of assassinating leading militants.

While the Palestinians say that this assassination policy by itself provides more cause for militant activity, Israel insisted that they need to eliminate or ``intercept'' such militants as a measure of self-defence. Since Israel regards the assassinations as a self-defence measure, it would appear that they will not satisfy themselves with such selective attacks on Palestinian targets as a retaliation for today's carnage. The retaliation is very likely to be swift and deadly.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Megawati pays back 'debts to parties'
Next     : Clock ticking away in Northern Ireland