At least seven people were killed and 15 injured on Tuesday evening near an Israeli army base in an apparent suicide attack that Tel Aviv immediately blamed on Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The suspected suicide bomb blast occurred at a bus stop near the Tsrifin army base and the Assaf Harofeh Hospital near the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Letzion. Security officials said there were many soldiers at the bus stop.

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Seven people, including the bomber, were killed in the suicide attack, according to the police in Tzrifin. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, on a landmark visit to India, voiced concern over the incident and demanded a 'full cessation of terror'.

"The attack is further indication that the Palestinian Authority is doing absolutely nothing whatsoever to reign in terrorists or to dismantle the terror infrastructure in their areas,'' said David Baker, an aide to Prime Minister Sharon.

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Without claiming responsibility for the attack, Hamas political leader Abdelaziz Rantissi said that the bombing was a response to Israeli crimes.

The attack follows Saturday's failed attempt by Israel to assassinate Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder and spiritual leader of the Hamas.