A large explosion rocked Tel Aviv overnight amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The blast occurred approximately one block from a branch office of the U.S. Embassy. First responders are on the scene, but there are no immediate reports of injuries.
A large explosion rocked Tel Aviv overnight Thursday, shaking the city and sending echoes throughout the region. The blast, which occurred shortly before midnight local time, sent shockwaves through the city's bustling downtown area, shattering windows and rattling buildings.
Large Explosion Rocks Tel Aviv Amid War with Hamas
First responders rushed to the scene, cordoning off the area and searching for any potential victims. While there were no immediate reports of injuries, the incident sent a wave of unease through the city, which has been under tension due to the ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The explosion occurred near a branch office of the U.S. Embassy, raising concerns about the potential for a targeted attack. However, authorities have downplayed such speculation, stating that it appears more likely to have been a random event.
Large Explosion Rocks Tel Aviv Amid War with Hamas
"We have no information at this time to suggest that this was a terrorist attack," said Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai. "Our focus is on ensuring the safety of our residents and determining the cause of the explosion."
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), an initial inquiry indicates that the explosion may have been caused by the falling of an aerial target. However, the IDF emphasized that the incident is still under review, and no sirens were activated prior to the blast.
Large Explosion Rocks Tel Aviv Amid War with Hamas
Fox News foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, who was at the scene of the explosion, reported that emergency crews were checking a nearby residential area to determine if anyone had been injured.
"I'm being very careful about the details," Yingst said. "We're trying to determine what exactly took place."
The explosion damaged a photo shop across the street from the U.S. Embassy, according to Yingst, who described the scene as "very fluid."
A police spokesperson said that large forces from the Tel Aviv District Police and police bomb disposal experts are handling the situation and conducting a thorough investigation.
Israel has been involved in the ongoing conflict with Hamas since last October, when Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on the country. The conflict has escalated over the past few months, with Hamas firing rockets into Israeli territory and Israel launching airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
The explosion in Tel Aviv comes at a particularly tense time, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict continue. International mediators have been attempting to broker a ceasefire, but no concrete agreement has been reached.
The explosion is a reminder of the fragility of peace in the region and the constant threat of violence that residents of both Israel and the Gaza Strip face.
