GAZA, Feb. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureion Sunday condemned a suicide bombing attack on a bus in downtown Jerusalem that killed at least seven people earlier the day.

    In a statement released following the attack, Qurei called for the immediate halt of such attacks, stressing that such acts are "completely against the highest Palestinian national interests."

    "These operations give Israel an excuse to continue the construction of the expansion and annexation wall, as well as assassinations targeting civilians," he said, referring to a security barrier being built by Israel in the West Bank.

    Qurei also called upon the Israeli government to go for "an immediate and mutual ceasefire" and to implement the roadmap plan for peace in the Middle East.

    The blast took place at around 8:30 a. m. (0630 GMT) in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Rehavia, near Liberty Bell Park. Police said that the explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber, but noone has claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Jerusalem District police commander Mickey Levy said that the blast took place on number 14 bus, which was crowded and was travelling toward the neighborhood of Beit Hakerem.

    He said that at least seven people were killed in the rush hour explosion. Rescue officials said at least 62 people were injured, more than 20 of them in serious condition.

    Israeli Foreign Ministry said that the latest suicide blast justified the construction of the West Bank security barrier.

    "We are showing everyone that a security fence is not just Israel's obligation, but also its right," said Jonathan Peled, the ministry's spokesman.

    Sunday's bombing was the first since a similar suicide bombing attack took place in Jerusalem on Jan. 29, in which 11 people were killed. Enditem