"Resisting Israeli aggression was rightful as long as it continues," Abu Zuhri said.

"The occupation seized money of the Palestinian people and urged the world not to assist the Palestinians, so this attack took place before those who agree with this aggressive attitude," he said.

At least six Israelis were killed and 30 others wounded, with some in serious condition, as a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up near an old bus station in the center of Tel Aviv.

Abu Zuhri was echoed by Wasfi Kabha, minister of Prisoners' Affairs in the Hamas-led cabinet.

Kabha told reporters that the attack came "in the framework of legitimate right for resistance against Israeli violations and crimes."

Coincidently, Monday was Palestinian prisoners' day. Palestinian officials said there were more than 8,000 Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails, detention camps and prisons.

The Islamic Jihad (Holy War) and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, linked to the Fatah movement, claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing attack.

A spokesman for Saraya al-Quds, the Islamic Jihad armed wing, told reporters on telephone that his group is responsible for the bombing attack in Tel Aviv.

The spokesman said that the attack was "natural response to daily crimes carried out by the Zionists against our people."

The identity of the bomber was not known. Israel Radio said that security sources did not rule out the possibility that the bomber is a female and she came from the northern West Bank city of Nablus.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently in Jordan, condemned the attack as "an act of terrorism," the Voice of Palestine reported.

Meanwhile, Palestinian security sources and witnesses said that about 80 Israeli tanks and armored vehicles moved toward Nablus Monday afternoon, adding that at least eight Palestinians were wounded by Israeli gunfire.