Three people have been killed and seven others injured in a bomb attack aboard a bus in northern Israel. The explosion happened near the Israeli town of Hadera.
At least six other people are reported to have been wounded in the blast, which completely destroyed the bus. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Israeli Army officials said that it was not clear whether the explosion was the result of a device planted on the bus or whether a suicide bomber had been involved. The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, has again stated that his government would recognise a Palestinian state if it were formed under a peace agreement.
Speaking ahead of a trip to New York, Mr Sharon also reiterated his demand for seven days of complete calm before peace talks with could resume.
"We will not negotiate under fire. We hold to our stance," he said. The Palestinians say that the demand blocks any chance of a breakthrough to end fourteen months of violence in the region.
