Explainer
Investigations are underway as Israel increases attacks on the West Bank following an explosion that caused no casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the troops to intensify raids across the occupying Jordan River after the explosion was made on three empty buses near Tel Aviv, which authorities call “suspected terrorist attacks.”
No casualties have been reported from the explosion as Netanyahu accused Palestinian group Hamas of breaching Gaza’s ceasefire agreement.
Here’s what we know about the incidents so far:
When did it happen with Israel?
Three explosive devices began to explode inside three buses in South Tel Aviv, from 8:30pm on Thursday night (18:30GMT), according to an Israeli broadcaster.
The first two bombs disappeared within minutes of each other, and the third exploded after about 15 minutes. All the buses were empty.
After searching the area, Israeli responders found more explosives in the other two buses that did not explode. All five bombs were identical and equipped with timers, police say.
Where did the bus explosion occur in Israel?
The buses exploded in several parking lots in the Israeli central cities of Batyam and Holon, about 10 km (6 miles) south of Tel Aviv, respectively.
Has anyone been injured?
No casualties have been reported as the bus was parked and was empty after completing the route.
Police said the explosives were likely intended for people to go out on Friday morning on their way to work.
Bat Yam mayor Zvika Blott said it was a miracle that no one could have hurt.
Who carried out the attack?
Not yet known. Israeli police say they are investigating “a suspected terrorist attack,” but no group has claimed responsibility.
The Tulkarem Battalion is a combat group based in the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarem, and was posted on Telegram.
However, the group did not appear to be guilty of responsibility for the explosion.
What do you know about the research?
According to the Israeli era, Tel Aviv Regional Police Chief Heim Sargarov described the bombs used in the attack as improved explosives characterized by coming from the West Bank. Authorities are still considering whether a single suspect or multiple suspects planted the bomb, he added, but no evidence has been provided as to who was behind the explosion.
The investigation is now passed on to Israel’s Sinbet internal security agency.
How did the Israeli authorities respond?
They put Israeli cities on high alert and instructed public transport to stop and check all buses, trains and light rail trains.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has also ordered the escalation of an already violent attack by Israeli forces on the West Bank, where police suspect the perpetrators are from. He specifically picked out the Talcarem refugee camp, the Palestinian resistance hub that has faced some of the most devastating Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023.
“We will chase terrorists to the end and destroy the camp’s terrorist infrastructure that forms the forefront of Iran’s evil axis,” Katz said. “People who sponsor and displace terrorism will pay a high price.”
Al Jazeera correspondent Noor Ode said Palestinians on the West Bank were living in even more fear following the “announcement of Israeli military action stepped on.”
“The occupied West Bank, especially in the north of Talcarem and Jenin, was subject to unprecedented military attacks, resulting in forced mass displacement of over 40,000 people,” Ode said.
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