MIDDLE EAST: Attempts to build a peace process in the Middle East suffered a serious setback with the deaths of three people in a suicide bombing in a busy shopping area of downtown Jerusalem. The bomb was claimed on behalf of the Al Aqsa Brigades, which is associated with the mainstream Palestinian Fatah movement.
Israel cancelled a further round of ceasefire talks with the Palestinians due to be held last night. It held President Arafat personally responsible, on the basis that he had failed to restrain the militants in his own movement.
At a press conference, Mr Arafat condemned the attack.
The Al Aqsa Brigades identified the bomber as Mohammed Hashaika (22), a resident of the West Bank village of Talooza, north of the city of Nablus.
Yesterday afternoon's blast took place only a day after another suicide bomber had killed himself and six others in northern Israel.
The US has been putting pressure on both sides in the conflict to agree ceasefire terms in advance of next week's critical Arab League summit in Beirut. The summit is expected to discuss possible peace terms with Israel, based on a Saudi Arabian proposal for Arab recognition in return for an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territories, but is unlikely to do so if Mr Arafat is not allowed to attend.
The explosion occurred at about 4.25 p.m. outside a row of small shops on King George Street, near the location of several other recent shooting and bombing attacks. Police said they were looking for the bomber's accomplices as they believed every such incident involved a variety of people with different back-up functions.
An eyewitness said the bomber was wearing a denim coat with a hood, was smiling and kept looking backward. He died instantly in the blast and two other victims died afterwards in hospital. A total of 42 people were injured. The Palestinian Authority condemned the bombing.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Ariel Sharon later met the US peace envoy, Gen Anthony Zinni. He was also expected to discuss the attack later with senior cabinet ministers amid speculation about Israeli retaliation. Palestinian officials said they had been informed of the cancellation of the talks.
Speaking in advance of the bombing, President Bush told reporters in Washington that he had expected more of a peace effort from Mr Arafat. "I, frankly, have been disappointed in his performance," he said.