Independent Media Center, Israel http://indymedia.org.il The reason for tonights bombingWednesday 20 Aug 2003 author: Daniella summary The bombing did not occur because Israel is building a fence, nor did it really occur because Israel killed an Islamic Jihad leader.

Unfortunately this evening there was a tremendous suicide bombing by Hammas in Jerusalem. This occurred while Abu Mazen was negotiating with them about extending the Hudna. About 20 people are dead (including children and babies) and a 170 wounded. The bombing did not occur because Israel is building a fence, nor did it really occur because Israel killed an Islamic Jihad leader. It occurred because Israel was going to hand over more territory to the PNA, which would be a success for the moderates and the peace process, and a failure for Islamic Jihad and the fanatix. The bombing (and it will probably not be the last) will make it much more difficult for the Israeli gov't to make concessions. It is clear that Abu-Mazen will need to take some action against Islamic Jihad, both because of Israeli/US pressure and because of the challenge offered to his leadership.

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