Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw deplored a suicide bombing in Israel on Monday, calling it a "senseless and totally unjustified terrorist attack".

In a statement, Straw said "I condemn those who are responsible and extend my sympathies to the families and friends of those who have been killed or wounded."

"It is particularly repugnant that this attack comes during the Jewish festival of Passover. I would urge restraint on all sides at this difficult time," he said.

A Palestinian bomber blew himself up in a restaurant in Tel Aviv just shortly before Israel's new parliament was sworn in, killing nine people and injuring about 50 more.

Israel's acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel would " act with all means at (its) disposal" to prevent further attacks.

The attack, claimed by Islamic Jihad, was the first suicide attack in Israel since January. Jihad said the bombing was to avenge "Israeli massacres" in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas condemned the bombing, saying it ran counter to Palestinian interests.

Source: Xinhua