The European Union hascondemned the overnight suicide bombing outside a Tel Aviv nightclub that left 18 dead and more than 100 injured, saying it was "appalled" at the carnage.
"The presidency of the European Union condemns the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in the strongest possible terms," it said in a statement.
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Mr Javier Solana: "I strongly condemn the terror bomb"
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"The presidency wishes to express its condolences to the bereaved families and its sympathies to the injured," it said.
In a separate statement, Mr Javier Solana, EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy, said "I strongly condemn the terror bomb" and expressed condolences to the bereaved and the Israeli government.
"I call upon the Palestinian Authority to strive to make sure that security cooperation will produce results on the ground and to both the Israelis and the Palestinians not to yield to pressure of the enemies of peace," Mr Solana said in a statement.
The EU presidency statement as well appealed to the Palestinian Authority "to do everything within its power to prevent terrorist attacks and to bring those responsible to justice.
"The presidency also appeals to Israel not to take measures which result in a further escalation of the cycle of violence."
Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon, due to visit Brussels next week, was meanwhile in a meeting with his senior ministers and military chiefs to consider a response to the suicide bombing.
Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat was in Brussels on Thursday, as part of a European tour trying to gain support for sending international observers to the Palestinian territories.
AFP