A Hamas spokesman, meanwhile, called the bombing "an act of self-defense."

Rescue workers carry away the wounded people after a suicide attack near the old central bus station in Israel's commercial city of Tel Aviv on April 17, 2006. [Photo: Xinhua]

    Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently in Jordan, condemned the suicide bombing attack as "an act of terrorism," according to "Voice of Palestine."

    Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Abbas, also condemned the attack, urging all Palestinian factions to observe a cessation of violence. It was the first suicide bombing attack in Israel since Hamas took over the Palestinian government on March 29 after its election win on Jan. 25.

    Hamas, which calls for destruction of Israel, has been observing a shaky ceasefire with Israel since last year. However, the ruling Palestinian faction is still unwilling to bow down over western demands to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept previous deals, despite mounting financial crisis and diplomatic isolation.

    The Islamic Jihad, another violent radical group, has been involved in most of last year's suicide bombing attacks against Israel.

    On Sunday, leader of the Islamic Jihad Ramadan Shallah said the militant group was making "nonstop efforts" to infiltrate suicide bombers from the West Bank into Israel. Enditem