Hamas’ Tulkarm Battalion Denies Responsibility for Bat Yam Bombing, IDF Intensifies Operations

The Tulkarm Battalion of Hamas’ military wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement on Friday night denying any connection to the bombing of buses in Bat Yam that occurred on Thursday. This came after initial confusion when a statement published by the group appeared to suggest it had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The statement, which initially raised suspicions, mentioned, "The revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier is present on our land. This is a jihad of victory or martyrdom." Despite this, the Tulkarm Battalion firmly denied involvement in the attack.

In response to the bombings, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate operations in the West Bank. The focus will be on targeting so-called refugee camps, which are often used as strongholds by various Palestinian terrorist organizations, including Hamas. Katz emphasized that those who provide protection to terror groups would face severe consequences.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Tulkarm refugee camp on Friday afternoon, where he highlighted the ongoing efforts to neutralize terrorist threats in the region. "Over the past year, we have significantly intensified our operations: we are entering terrorist strongholds, leveling entire streets used by terrorists, and eliminating both operatives and commanders," Netanyahu said.

The IDF's operations aim to thwart attacks and neutralize Hamas and other groups planning to target Israeli civilians.