- Several buses exploded near Tel Aviv Thursday night in a suspected terror attack, though no injuries were reported. Three empty buses exploded, while two other devices failed to go off.
- Authorities believe the bombs were timed for Friday morning but malfunctioned.
- The attack follows the return of four hostages’ bodies from Gaza as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal.
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No one was injured after several buses exploded near Tel Aviv Thursday night, Feb. 20. Authorities believe it to be a terror attack.
Three empty buses exploded in parking lots in Bat Yam and Holon. Two other devices were found on two other buses but did not detonate, The Times of Israel reports. Police say they believe the devices were supposed to detonate Friday morning, but the timers were incorrectly set.
A police spokesperson said the devices matched explosives used in the West Bank.
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“We need to determine if a single suspect placed explosives on a number of buses, or if there were multiple suspects,” the spokesperson said.
The transportation minister ordered a halt in service until a thorough search of buses, trains and light rails could be conducted, The Times of Israel reports.
So far, no organization has taken responsibility for the attack.
It comes just hours after the bodies of four hostages held in Gaza were handed over to Israeli authorities as part of the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The remains included those of the Bibas brothers –– two and five years old –– who were killed by Hamas in November 2023, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
A body, believed to be that of the young boys’ mother, was also supposed to be turned over. However, Israeli authorities say the remains given are not hers.
In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We will bring back all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together — with God’s help — we will secure our future.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF to intensify operations in the West Bank.
