Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to launch a comprehensive operation targeting “terror hubs” in the West Bank following a troubling incident involving explosions on three parked buses, which officials suspect to be a terrorist act. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

These explosions occurred on a day of mourning for Israel, coinciding with the return of the bodies of four hostages from Gaza by Hamas as part of a ceasefire arrangement. The bus blasts evoke memories of the bombings common during the Palestinian uprising of the early 2000s, although such attacks have become increasingly rare.

According to police spokesperson Asi Aharoni, explosives were discovered on two additional buses, but they failed to detonate. Israeli police reported that the five bombs found were identical and fitted with timers, prompting bomb squads to safely dispose of the unexploded devices.

Investigators in protective gear meticulously examined the charred remains of the buses that exploded in a parking lot located in Bat Yam, a city near Tel Aviv. Mayor Tzvika Brot expressed relief that no injuries occurred, noting that the buses were parked after completing their routes.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has attributed the blasts to “Palestinian terrorist organizations.”

A police statement indicated, “Preliminary reports suggest a suspected terror attack, with multiple reports of explosions involving several buses reported at different locations in Bat Yam.”

The head of the bus company, Ofir Karni, stated that they immediately halted operations, instructing all drivers to carry out a thorough inspection before resuming their routes once deemed safe.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he was receiving regular updates from his military advisors, while the Shin Bet internal security service took charge of the investigation, according to police reports.

Police spokesperson Haim Sargrof mentioned on Israeli television, “We need to find out if a single individual planted explosives on multiple buses or if there were several perpetrators.” He noted that the explosives used in the attacks were consistent with those employed in the West Bank but refrained from providing further details.

In response to the ongoing security operations, the Israeli military announced on Friday that it had implemented restrictions on Palestinian movement and sealed off certain areas within the West Bank.

Since Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023, triggered a severe conflict in Gaza, the Israeli military has consistently conducted raids targeting suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank. This crackdown has significantly limited the access of Palestinians from the occupied territories into Israel.

A group claiming to be affiliated with Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, from Tulkarem in the northern West Bank, stated on Telegram: “We will always seek vengeance for our martyrs as long as the occupation persists on our land.” However, this group did not take direct responsibility for the bus explosions.

Tulkarem and its adjacent refugee camps have become focal points in Israel’s extensive military operations in the West Bank since the ceasefire in Gaza was established on January 19. In previous incidents, militants have crossed into Israeli territory to carry out shootings and bombings in populated areas.

Mayor Brot encouraged residents to maintain their daily routines while remaining vigilant, stating during an interview with Channel 13 TV that schools would remain open on Friday and public transport services would continue to operate.