JERUSALEM, Nov 1 (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday`s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv which killed three Israelis proved there had been no change in the Palestinian leadership despite the absence of its ailing leader Yasser Arafat, army radio reported.
"The suicide bombing in the Hacarmel market proved there has been no change in the Palestinian leadership," the radio quoted the premier as saying at the opening of a meeting with his right-wing Likud party.
"We will continue to fight terror as long as they don`t do it," he said.
Monday`s suicide bombing was the first since Arafat -- who has frequently been accused by Israel of giving the green light to such attacks -- was flown to Paris for urgent treatment of a blood disorder.
On hearing news of the blast, Arafat condemned the bombing from his sickbed, a top aide said.
Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qorei also denounced the bombing, telling reporters in the West Bank town of Ramallah that it was against Palestinian interests.
Sharon has long denounced Arafat as an "obstacle to peace" and flatly refused to deal with him since coming to power in 2001.
11/01/2004 14:30 GMT - AFP