JERUSALEM — Israel has been struck by its first mass-casualty strike in years. Hamas applauded the attack but formal credit was taken by a smaller group, in a claim broadcast by Hizbullah television.

A Palestinian gunman stormed a prominent Jewish seminary in Jerusalem and sprayed automatic fire toward students, Middle East Newsline reported.

At least eight students were killed and nine others were injured in the bloodiest strike in the Jewish state since 2004.

Officials said one of the seminary students, a paratrooper in the Israel Army, shot and killed the Palestinian assailant, identified as a resident of Jerusalem. At first, officials said, police believed there were two attackers, one of them wearing an explosive belt.

Hamas praised but did not claim responsiblity for the strike. Instead, a group called Galilee Freedom Battalions-Martyrs of Imad Mughniyeh claimed responsiblity for the attack. The claim was broadcast by Hizbullah television.

Later, a Hamas official told Reuters: "The Hamas movement announces its full responsibility for the Jerusalem operation" He refused to identify himself and the group released no official statement.

A spokesman for Hamas's armed wing called the attack "an honor we have not claimed yet," Reuters reported. Israeli officials said the incident is still under investigation.

"I saw somebody enter with a weapon and fire," Itai Tuchfeld, a student, recalled. "Blood was pouring out of the library. I called my father who called the police."

The attack on the seminary marked the bloodiest strike in Jerusalem since 2004. Mercaz Harav has been deemed the seat of religious Zionism.

"It's very sad tonight in Jerusalem," Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski said. "Many people were killed in the heart of Jerusalem."

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