Daijiworld Media Network- Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Feb 21: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to intensify raids in West Bank refugee camps following a series of bus explosions near Tel Aviv. Katz described the incident as a terror attack and vowed a strong response.

"In light of the serious attempted attacks in the Gush Dan (central) area by Palestinian terrorist organisations against Israeli civilians, I have instructed the IDF to escalate operations in the Tulkarem refugee camp and other refugee camps in Judea and Samaria," Katz said in a statement, using biblical names for the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also directed the military to launch an intensive operation in the West Bank following the bus explosions on Thursday.

His office confirmed that the blasts occurred on buses but stated that there were no immediate reports of injuries, according to Xinhua news agency.

While no group has claimed responsibility, the Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas in Tulkarm, issued a statement praising the attack.

"The revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier is present on our lands," the group stated.

Following the attack, Defence Minister Katz vowed a harsh response.

"We will hunt down the terrorists relentlessly and destroy their infrastructure," he said.

The intensified military operations will focus on Tulkarm refugee camp and other areas in the West Bank, which have witnessed an escalation in clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups.

According to Israel’s state-run Kan TV, the Shin Bet domestic security agency is investigating whether the perpetrators came from Tulkarm.

Authorities reported that three empty buses exploded within minutes of each other, and explosive devices were found on two other buses.

As a security measure, Israel temporarily suspended public transportation services, including buses, trains, and Tel Aviv’s light rail, for security scans.

The bus explosions have occurred amid a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, following 16 months of war.

Despite accusations of violations from both sides, the ceasefire has largely held since January 19.

Meanwhile, Hamas on Thursday handed over the bodies of four hostages, in what is seen as part of ongoing negotiations.