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Explosions on buses in Israel as authorities say no one was harmed

The explosions took place just hours after Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages held in Gaza — the first of eight hostages that Israel believes are dead and to be returned during the current phase of the ceasefire.

An Israeli police officer inspects the scene of one of a series of bus explosions in what authorities said appeared to be a militant attack in Bat Yam, central Israel, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli police on Thursday reported a series of explosions on buses in central Israel in what they said appeared to be a militant attack. No injuries were reported.

Police spokesman Asi Aharoni told Channel 13 TV that explosives were found on two other buses. He called on the public to be alert and report any suspicious objects to authorities.

The explosions took place just hours after Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages held in Gaza — the first of eight hostages that Israel believes are dead and to be returned during the current phase of the ceasefire.

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Police rushed forces to the scene in Bat Yam, a Tel Aviv suburb, as they searched for suspects. Police spokesman Haim Sargrof says drivers have scanned all buses and trains, and those scans are complete.

“We need to determine if a single suspect placed explosives on a number of buses, or if there were multiple suspects,” he said.

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Israeli police inspect the scene of one of a series of bus explosions in what authorities said appeared to be a militant attack in Bat Yam, central Israel, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Tzvika Brot, mayor of Bat Yam, said it was a miracle that no one was hurt. He said the buses had finished their routes and were in a parking lot. He said one of the unexploded bombs was being defused in the nearby town of Holon.

Sargrof said the explosives matched explosives used in the West Bank, but he declined to elaborate.

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Israel has repeatedly carried out army raids on suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank since Hamas’ October 7 attack. As part of that crackdown, it has greatly restricted entry into Israel for Palestinians from the occupied territory.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza took effect on January 19, Israel has been conducting a broad military offensive against Palestinian militants in the West Bank. In the past, militants have entered Israel and carried out shootings and bombings in Israeli cities.

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