Suspected terror attack in Israel as multiple buses explode in Tel Aviv

Israeli police are searching for suspects after explosions on three parked buses south of Tel Aviv

Three buses have exploded in Israel in a suspected terror attack as police frantically search for suspects.

The parked vehicles burst into flames in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, after explosive devices planted on board were detonated.

Israeli police said they were treating the explosions, which reportedly did not injure anyone, as a suspected militant attack.

The military said “intensified anti-terror” activity would continue in the West Bank following the explosions.

Explosives were found on two other buses but did not detonate, police spokesperson Asi Aharoni told Channel 13 TV. Israeli police said the five bombs were identical and equipped with timers, adding bomb squads were defusing the unexploded bombs.

Israeli police search a bus in Bat Yam after three vehicles exploded on Thursday (AP)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was being briefed about the explosions and all buses across Israel have been stopped.

Israeli police spokesperson Haim Sargrof said: “Large police forces are at the scenes, searching for suspects.

“Police bomb disposal units are scanning for additional suspicious objects. We urge the public to avoid the areas and remain alert for any suspicious items."

Mr Sargof added the explosives matched those used in the West Bank, but he did not give any more details.

Tzvika Brot, the mayor of Bat Yam, urged residents to stick with their routines but also stay vigilant, telling Channel 13 TV that schools will be open and public transport will be operating on Friday.

A group identifying itself as a branch of Hamas' military wing, Qassam Brigades, from the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, posted on messaging app Telegram: "We will never forget to take vengeance for our martyrs as long as the occupation is on our lands."

Police said the explosives matched explosives used in the West Bank (AP)

Israel has repeatedly carried out military raids on suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank since Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack sparked the devastating war in Gaza.

As part of that crackdown, it has greatly restricted entry into Israel for Palestinians from the occupied territory.

Since the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza took effect on 19 January Israel has been conducting a broad military offensive in the West Bank.

In the past, militants have entered Israel and carried out shootings and bombings in Israeli cities.

The explosions came after Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two young children who were long feared dead.

Hamas handed over black caskets presumed to contain the remains of Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, as well as journalist Oded Lifshitz, who was 83.

Dr Sharone Lifschitz, his British-based daughter, had received no information on his whereabouts since the Hamas attack in 2023.

Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday evening that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Mr Lifschitz’s death.

The UK prime minister added: "We must see all remaining hostages released, and the ceasefire upheld. My government remains committed to working with our international partners to bring an end to this suffering and secure a long-term peace in the Middle East."