Suicide bombing at "Rosh Ha'ir" shawarma restaurant in Tel Aviv
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Suicide bombing at "Rosh Ha'ir" shawarma restaurant in Tel Aviv

  • 4/17/2006
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    April 17, 2006 - Eleven people were killed and over 60 wounded in a suicide bombing at the Rosh Ha'ir shawarma stand, near the old central bus station in Tel Aviv. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Shortly after 1:30 pm, a suicide bomber detonated himself at a crowded fast food stand in the Neveh Sha'anan neighborhood of Tel Aviv, near the old central bus station when a security guard at the site asked him to open his bag for inspection. The restaurant was crowded with people at lunchtime during the Passover holiday. The bomb, laced with nails and other projectiles, shattered car windshields and windows of nearby buildings.

    The same restaurant was previously hit by a bombing attack on January 19, wounding 20 people.

    The attack was carried out by a youth from Jenin, Sami Salim Mohammed Hammed. Three Palestinians suspected of having transported the bomber to the restaurant were arrested by security forces.

  • International condemnation

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  • ​White House:

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    "We condemn the terrorist attack today in Tel Aviv in the strongest possible terms. It is a despicable act of terrorism, for which no excuse or justification is possible. We express our condolences to those who were injured, to the families of those who were killed, and to the people and Government of Israel.

    The burden of responsibility for preventing terrorist attacks such as this one rests with the Palestinian Authority (PA). We have noted reactions by several Palestinian terrorist groups, including Hamas, that defend or even applaud the barbaric act of terror committed in Tel Aviv today, as we have noted President Abbas's quick denunciation of it. Defense or sponsorship of terrorist acts by officials of the Palestinian Cabinet will have the gravest effects on relations between the PA and all states seeking peace in the Middle East. A Palestinian government that encourages or tolerates terrorism against innocent men, women, and children not only increases the level of violence against Israelis, but can as well only do great harm to the interests of the Palestinian people and ensure its own further isolation. We reiterate that the United States will have no contact with such a government, and we call upon all states to demand that it abandon its support for terror."




  • US State Department:

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    ​"The United States condemns the heinous terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv today that killed at least seven civilians and wounded over thirty. Our condolences go out to the victims, their families, and the Israeli people.

    The burden of responsibility for preventing terrorist attacks rests with the Palestinian Authority. We have noted reactions by several Palestinian terrorist groups, including Hamas, that defend or even applaud these barbaric actions, as we have noted President Abbas’ swift denunciation of it.

    Defense of terrorist acts by officials of the Palestinian cabinet undoubtedly will effect relations between the Palestinian Authority and all states seeking peace in the Middle East. A Palestinian government that encourages or tolerates terrorism against innocent men, women, and children not only increases violence against the Israelis, but does great harm to the interests of the Palestinian people, ensuring their further isolation. We reiterate that the United States will have no contact with a Hamas-led government, and we call upon all states to demand that it abandon its support for terror."

  • United Nations Secretary-General:

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    ​"The Secretary-General strongly condemns today’s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.  He calls on the Palestinian Authority to take a clear public stand against such unjustifiable acts of terrorism, noting that President Abbas has done so and regretting that the new Government has not.

    The Secretary-General is deeply concerned that civilians continue to be killed by violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  He calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and to refrain from actions that further escalate the situation and put civilians at grave risk."

  • Austrian presidency of the European Union:

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    ​"The Austrian presidency of the European Union condemns today's suicide attack against innocent civilans. The EU has repeatedly condemned such criminal terrorist acts which undermine any chances for a peaceful settlement.

    The presidency has taken note of the condemnation of the attack by the president of the Palestinian Authority, and strongly urges the Palestinian government to fully commit to all the principles requested by the international community, including the renunciation of violence, in order to permit progress towards a peaceful solution."