BEIT HANUN, Gaza, Oct 15: Three Americans were killed on Wednesday when a huge roadside bomb ripped through their diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip.

The three US embassy security personnel died when the bomb destroyed the second of three vehicles carrying diplomats to interview Palestinian students wanting to apply for Fulbright scholarships to study in the United States.

A fourth American was seriously injured.

The United States announced it would send an FBI team to probe the blast and pledged efforts to bring an end to conflict in the region.

“The United States will continue to assist the parties as they seek ways to stop the terror and seek peace,” the US ambassador to Israel, Dan Kurtzer, told reporters in Tel Aviv.

“This will ultimately be the most enduring response to murderers and terrorists.”

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat condemned the attack and offered his condolences to US President George W. Bush.

“I strongly condemn this crime which targeted American observers who came on a mission of peace and security,” Mr Arafat said in a statement.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei also condemned the attack and contacted US Secretary of State Colin Powell to offer his condolences and cooperation in catching the bombers.

“We express our profound regret and our anger after this incident which we condemn and denounce,” Mr Qorei told reporters in Ramallah.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Mr Powell insisted “on the need for the Palestinian Authority to do everything to put an end to terrorism.” Islamic Jihad and Hamas both denied any involvement.

A fringe group calling itself the Popular Resistance Committees also denied any role in the bombing in a statement after the attack was earlier claimed in its name in an anonymous call.—AFP