BAT YAM, Israel (AP) — On Thursday, a series of explosions erupted on three parked buses, causing alarm in central Israel as authorities investigated the incident as a possible militant attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This event unfolded on a day of mourning for Israel, which was already reeling from the return of four hostages’ bodies by Hamas from Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement. The bombings evoked memories of attacks during the early 2000s Palestinian uprisings, although such incidents have become increasingly uncommon in recent years.

According to police spokesman Asi Aharoni, explosives were discovered on two additional buses but failed to detonate. The police confirmed that all five bombs were identical and fitted with timers, with bomb squads currently working to disarm the unexploded devices.

Investigation teams in protective gear examined the charred remains of the buses, which exploded in a parking area in Bat Yam, a city located just outside Tel Aviv.

The mayor of Bat Yam, Tzvika Brot, expressed relief that no one was harmed, noting that the buses had only recently returned after completing their routes.

Ofir Karni, the head of the bus company, announced that all drivers were instructed to cease operations and conduct thorough inspections. Service resumed once safety was assured.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been closely monitoring the situation through updates from his military secretary. The investigation has been handed over to the Shin Bet internal security agency, according to police reports.

Police spokesman Haim Sargrof stated, “We need to determine if a single individual placed explosives on multiple buses or if there were several perpetrators involved.” He also mentioned that the explosives used in this incident matched those commonly found in the West Bank, though he refrained from providing further details.

Since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited a significant conflict in Gaza, the Israeli military has consistently executed operations targeting suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank. These actions have included imposing severe restrictions on the entry of Palestinians from the occupied territories into Israel.

A group calling itself a faction of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, based in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, shared a message on the Telegram messaging platform, stating: “We will never forget to take vengeance for our martyrs as long as the occupation is on our lands.” However, they did not officially claim responsibility for the attacks.

Tulkarem and its associated refugee camps have been central to Israel’s military operations in the West Bank since the ceasefire in Gaza commenced on January 19.

Early on Friday, the Israeli military announced new restrictions on Palestinian movement and the sealing off of certain areas within the West Bank as part of ongoing security efforts.

Mayor Brot encouraged residents to go about their daily lives but also to remain alert, assuring Channel 13 TV that schools and public transportation would continue to operate normally on Friday.

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Reported by Federman from Jerusalem.