The bombing was widely criticized by the international community. Israel accused the Hamas-run Palestinian government of being part of a new “axis of terror” along with Iran and Syria. This is “We will not passively allow human bombs, Katyushas or Qassams to penetrate our territory, kill Israeli citizens and put our people at risk. Let me make it very clear, Israel regrets any loss of life, said Dan Gillerman, Israeli representative at the United Nations. “But any attempt to equate the loss of life caused erroneously, by Israel acting in self defense, where the suicide bombers specifically targeting women and children is morally wrong and false. Terror is terror is terror. And can never and must never be justified. In view of all this Mr. President and distinguished members of the Council, what would you do?” The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said the bombing was carried out by a young man named Sami Hammad from Jenin. The Independent of London reported Hammad was only 17 years old but other news accounts said he was 21. In a video recorded before the blast, Hammad said the attack was dedicated to the thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Monday marked what is known as Palestinian Prisoner’s Day.