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Breaking News

Hamas Claims Responsibility for Attack

Aired July 31, 2002 - 07:53   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.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: We've got some breaking news to report. For those of you just joining us, I just wanted to remind you that about 50 minutes ago, there was an explosion reported at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Israeli officials now reporting that at least seven are dead, 45 injured.

There is a discrepancy as to what may have caused this explosion. Early reports from eyewitnesses suggest that a suicide bomber was spotted. Hamas, in the daily newspaper, "Har'aretz," was claiming responsibility for the explosion.

Meanwhile, police are saying they are investigating, in fact, whether it was a suicide bomber or whether a bag of explosives had been set off at the university.

This happened during the lunch hour. Although classes were not in session, some students were taking tests. There were some courses -- summer courses going on. The early reports indicate several hundred students were in this area at the time of the explosion.

Once again, Hamas, through the daily newspaper, "Har'aretz," is claiming responsibility. At least seven dead, more than 45 injured.

We'll bring you more details as they become available.

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