At least eight people at an Israeli-owned hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, at the same time as two missiles were fired at an Israeli holiday jet that had taken off from the city’s airport.
The missiles missed the aircraft, which was carrying about 200 passengers, but three-quarters of the Paradise Hotel was destroyed.
If it is confirmed as the work of al-Qaeda, this would be the first direct attack on Israelis by the group - despite the hostility towards Israel normally shown by Bin Laden in recordings of his speeches.
The attacks come as important primary elections take place in Israel, with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon facing a party leadership challenge from Foreign Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ahead of January’s general election.
The attacks were blamed on al-Qaeda by the United States. (Surprise surprise the mysterious al qaida is brought into the equation again)
comment: Election day in israel hmmm coincidence or what!