ARABS-ISRAEL - July 31 - Seven Die In Hamas Blast At University.

Seven people are killed and more than 80 wounded by a bomb that explodes in a cafeteria at Jerusalem's Hebrew University at lunchtime. The Hamas military wing, Izzedine Al Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was in retaliation for the July 23 assassination of Salah Shehada (see last week's Recorder). A Hamas spokesman said: "If they are going to attack [Palestinian] children, they are going to drink from the same poison". The bomber was believed to have fled after leaving the device in a bag at the crowded cafeteria at the Frank Sinatra international students' centre. A number of foreign students attending summer courses were among the casualties. The PA condemned the bombing, although it blamed the government of PM Sharon for renewing "a cycle of terror". (The Hebrew University campus is on Mount Scopus, an area that until 1967 was an Israeli enclave inside Arab-ruled E. Jerusalem. About two miles north-east of the city, it is close to Palestinian neighbourhoods. The Hebrew University has a liberal reputation and teaches Israeli Arabs and foreigners as well as Jewish students. Many of the campus staff, including those at the cafeteria, are Jerusalem Palestinians. Past alumni include the children of senior PA officials).