Israel has intensified military operations in the occupied West Bank after three parked buses exploded in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, without casualties.
Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the escalation, targeting refugee camps, particularly in Tulkarm, as Israeli forces continue their military presence in the area.
The explosions, which took place on Thursday night, saw three empty buses detonated, with additional explosive devices discovered on other vehicles.
Israeli security forces suspended public transportation nationwide as they conducted security sweeps. While no group has claimed responsibility, the Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, praised the attack, stating that “the revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier is present on our lands”.
Israel’s crackdown has led to the widespread destruction of infrastructure in Tulkarm camp, with the Popular Committee for Tulkarm Camp Services reporting that 50 homes have been demolished and 90 per cent of residents displaced due to forced evacuations.
A teacher, Ahmed Riyad Awad, was killed after an Israeli military vehicle collided with his car. His wife, a school principal, was also injured in the attack.
In the same city, Israeli soldiers burned multiple homes, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Reports from local organisations indicate that water, electricity, sewage, and telecommunications infrastructure have been severely damaged due to repeated military raids.
Similar attacks have occurred in Jenin, where operations have been ongoing for over a month. On the same day as the explosions, Israeli forces stormed several Palestinian towns, including Bal’a, Birzeit, Silwad, and Jalazone camp, leading to armed clashes.
Israeli forces claimed that it “continues to conduct ongoing situational assessments and is prepared to expand offensive activities.” This comes amid heightened security measures in Israeli cities, with authorities fearing further attacks.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed three Palestinians in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank as troops besieged a house in the al-Far’a camp, south of Tubas, which they targeted with missiles and gunfire.
The assaults are part of a month-long military operation across the region, which has forcibly displaced around 40,000 Palestinians and killed dozens of people.
Although the fragile ceasefire agreement has been held, Israel has been accused of breaking the deal with sporadic clashes and military operations.
Israel continues to face accusations of war crimes as the Gaza death rises to at least 61,709 people, with thousands more Palestinians still missing under the rubble.
