Jerusalem: At least seven people were killed and more than 40 injured, 11 of them seriously, when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a crowded bus, police sources said.

The blast killed seven people including the bomber, they said. Rescue officials said at least 40 people were injured.

The blast took place at around 8:30 hrs (IST) local time in the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Rehavia, near Liberty Bell Park during the morning rush hour.

It came just a day before the International Court of Justice in Hague is to begin hearings on the legality of the barrier Israel is constructing to "keep suicide bombers at bay".

The bus was crowded when the blast took place, Jerusalem District police commander Mickey Levy told Army radio, adding that the explosion ripped apart the rear of the bus and scattered body parts and shattered glass across a two block radius.

The wounded were rushed to the local hospital.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Today's (Feb 22, 2004) bombing was the first since a suicide bomber blew himself up on a bus near the neighbourhood housing residences of the Prime Minister and the President, on January 29 in which eleven people were killed.