EXPLAINERInvestigation is under way as Israel ramps up raids in the West Bank following the blasts that caused no casualties.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to intensify its raids across the occupied West Bank after explosions in three empty buses near Tel Aviv in what authorities are calling a suspected “terror attack”.
No casualties have been reported from the blasts that come as Netanyahu has accused the Palestinian group Hamas of breaching the Gaza ceasefire deal.
Here’s what we know about the incident so far:
What happened in Israel and when?
Starting about 8:30pm (18:30GMT) on Thursday night, three explosive devices began detonating inside three buses in southern Tel Aviv, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
The first two bombs went off within minutes of each other, and the third exploded about 15 minutes later. All of the buses were empty.
After searching the area, Israeli responders found more explosives on two other buses that did not detonate. All five bombs were identical and equipped with timers, police say.
Where in Israel did the bus explosions take place?
The buses exploded in several parking lots in Israel’s central cities of Bat Yam and Holon, each about 10km (6 miles) south of Tel Aviv. Advertisement
Was anyone hurt?
No casualties have been reported, as the buses were parked and empty after finishing their routes.
According to police, the explosives were likely intended to go off on Friday morning when people were on their way to work.
Bat Yam’s mayor, Tzvika Brot, said it was a miracle no one was hurt.
Who carried out the attack?
It’s still unclear. Israeli police say they are investigating a “suspected terror attack”, but no group has claimed responsibility.
The Tulkarem Battali …
