DATE=8/19/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / BOMBING (S)

NUMBER=2-306647

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A suspected Palestinian suicide bomber has blown himself up on a packed bus in Jerusalem, killing at least 20 people and wounding dozens more and dashing hopes of a handover of four West Bank cities to Palestinian control. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: The explosion ripped through the bus Tuesday night, leaving bodies and debris strewn across the sidewalk.

The windows of another bus traveling close by were blown out by the blast.

Ambulance and rescue workers rushed to the scene as police sealed off the area. Survivors with blood-smeared faces were lead away from the carnage by paramedics.

Israeli officials suspect that one of the militant Islamic groups, which has frequently carried out such attacks, is behind the latest bombing.

One such group, the Islamic Jihad, has been vowing to carry out a revenge attack following the killing one of their senior activists last week by Israeli forces.

The blast came as Israeli and Palestinian officials were due to discuss arrangements on the handover of four West Bank cities to Palestinian control. Israel announced that the transfer has been cancelled in reaction to the bombing.

NEB/MEM/KL