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CNN Live At Daybreak

In Israel, Another Deadly Suicide Bombing

Aired May 28, 2002 - 05:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: In Israel, there has been another deadly suicide bombing. This time, outside of a mall in the town of Petah Tikvah. Hours later, the al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility. And our Martin Savidge says Israeli officials are calling the attacks "intolerable."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the town whose name in Hebrew means "gate of hope," a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a shopping mall. The explosion tore through customers of a ice cream shop, cutting down men, women and children, cascading crimson on a white awning. Among those killed, a one-year- old little girl, as well as her grandmother.

One witness said he believed the bomber struck fully aware of who he was targeting.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I running in this place, and I saw the children. The head, big -- much blood on the floor, the father and mother. I called the ambulance.

SAVIDGE: Authorities say Petah Tikvah had been under a general warning for an attack earlier in the day, and they speculate the terrorist may have avoided the armed security officers of the mall's entrance, settling instead for the outdoor area. Reacting to the attack, Israeli officials left open the question of a response.

DORE GOLD, SHARON ADVISER: What we're seeing is continuing terrorist attacks against innocent Israeli civilians. This is intolerable and it's something that Israel will have to address.

SAVIDGE: Palestinian leaders condemn the attack, but added, Israeli military might is not the answer.

SAEB ERAKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR: This will not be solved through Israel resuming its occupation on the West Bank through suffocating three million Palestinians in collective punishment.

SAVIDGE: Meanwhile, special volunteers were to retreat the remains of those killed for burial, a grim task they know well. This is the fifth suicide bombing or attempted bombing in Israel in just over a week. The site itself became a living demonstration of the wide variety of public reaction. As a group of young people held a quiet candlelight vigil, only a few feet away another angry crowd shouted, "Death to Arabs," and screamed for war. Beyond them both, in the background set a baby's highchair lit by the glow of prayer candles.

Martin Savidge, CNN, Petah Tikvah, Israel.

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