Synopsis
On February 21, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to intensify operations in West Bank refugee camps after a series of bus explosions deemed a terror attack. This directive follows escalating tensions and aims to counter threats posed by Palestinian terrorist organizations.Key Takeaways
- Katz orders military escalation in West Bank.
- Bus explosions classified as terror attacks.
- Focus on Tulkarem refugee camp for operations.
- No immediate injuries reported from the blasts.
- Hamas praises the explosions.
Jerusalem, Feb 21 (NationPress) Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has mandated the military to increase operations in refugee camps within the occupied West Bank following a string of bus explosions, which he classified as a terror attack.
"Considering the severe attempted assaults in the Gush Dan (central) region by Palestinian terrorist organizations against Israel's civilian population, I have directed the IDF (military) to ramp up efforts to counter terrorism in the Tulkarem refugee camp and across all refugee camps in Judea and Samaria," Katz stated in an announcement, referencing the biblical designation for the West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also instructed the military to conduct an "intensive" operation in the West Bank following the explosions on buses near Tel Aviv on Thursday, described by Netanyahu’s office as a suspected "terror attack".
There were no immediate reports of injuries from the blasts, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
No group claimed responsibility for the bus explosions in the Tel Aviv vicinity, which did not result in injuries. However, Hamas' Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, released a statement commending the attack.
"The vengeance of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier remains on our land," the statement read.
Katz promised to impose a "heavy price" on those accountable.
"We will relentlessly pursue the terrorists and dismantle their terror infrastructure," he remarked in a statement from his Ministry.
He indicated that the intensified operations would concentrate on "the Tulkarm refugee camp and all refugee camps in the West Bank".
Israel's state-run Kan TV reported that the Shin Bet domestic security agency was examining whether the individuals who placed the explosive devices originated from Tulkarm, as a sticker found on one device suggested the attack was "revenge" for recent Israeli operations that led to significant damage in the area.
In the incident, three empty buses exploded within minutes, and explosive devices were detected on two additional buses, police stated.
Public transport, including buses, trains, and Tel Aviv's light rail, was briefly halted nationwide for security screenings.
The bus explosions occur against the backdrop of a delicate ceasefire in Gaza between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel after 16 months of conflict.
On Thursday, Hamas released the remains of four hostages.
The ceasefire has been maintained since its initiation on January 19, despite mutual accusations of violations between Israel and Hamas.
