The deadly hotel blasts that rocked the Jordanian capital Wednesday drew international condemnation for being acts of "terror" that targeted innocent people, mostly Jordanians.

At least 57 people were killed and up to 300 wounded in the suicide attacks.

The White House condemned the strikes as "a heinous act of terror" against innocent civilians.

The United States on Wednesday strongly condemned the "cowardly" hotel blasts in Jordan's capital and offered to help its key Middle East ally bring to justice the "terrorists" responsible for the attacks. "Today's terrorist bombings in Amman were cowardly attacks on innocent Jordanians and their guests," President George W. Bush said.

Jordan's King Abdullah II described the deadly blasts as "terrorist" and "criminal" acts and pledged that "justice will pursue the criminals.

The late evening attacks on one of the closest US allies in the Middle East targeted the luxury Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt and Days Inn hotels, which are usually packed with foreigners.

France and Ireland expressed shock and sympathy.

"While the facts are not yet clear, I am appalled by these reports. It seems all too likely that this was a terrorist

attack aimed at killing and maiming entirely innocent people," said Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern.

French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin offered his "deep sympathy... to the families and all the Jordanian people," and said France condemned the attacks.

Syria also condemned the attacks and reminded Jordan of its solidarity.

Palestinian flags were lowered to half mast on official buildings Thursday as leader Mahmud Abbas denounced the blasts as a "crime against humanity and Arab security."

Prince Hashem, a half-brother of King Abdullah II, meanwhile toured hospitals to see the wounded.