Khaled Mashal
Khaled Mashal, leader of Hamas, categorically rejected any connection of the bombing to his group. Hamas spokesperson, Fawzi Barhoum, praised the attack, calling it the "natural response to the occupation crimes and ongoing massacres against civilians in the Gaza Strip" The bus bombing was lauded from a Gaza mosque's loudspeakers and celebratory gunfire was heard when news of the bombing was reported. Hamas' television featured people praising the attack.