World News: Series of bus explosions near Tel Aviv being investigated

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

In Israel, three buses exploded in Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv on Thursday, in what authorities are investigating as coordinated terror attacks. No casualties have been reported.

The explosions on three empty buses parked approximately 500 meters apart happened within minutes of each other, and are believed to have been caused by makeshift explosive devices equipped with timers. Two bombs were discovered on other buses, but were defused by police.

A note was found with one of the unexploded devices, referencing "Revenge from Tulkarem," alluding to a recent Israeli military operation in the West Bank.

In response to the incident, a temporary halt to all public transportation nationwide has been ordered, to facilitate thorough investigations. Israel's internal security agency has taken over the investigation, and a search is underway for suspects.

Meanwhile, Israel has received the bodies of what Hamas says are four hostages including a mother and her two young children. But Israel says one of the bodies is of someone else.

On Thursday, Hamas returned the remains of what were claimed to be Shiri Bibas, aged 32, and her 4-year-old and 9-months-old sons, along with Oded Lifshitz, an 84-year-old journalist. However, the Israel Defense Forces says that one of the sets of remains was not that of Shiri Bibas.

The handover in Khan Younis, Gaza, was marked by a provocative display by Palestinians, with coffins covered with offensive imagery and anti-Israel slogans. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the scene, calling Hamas "monsters" for their actions.

In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, thousands gathered to mourn the dead hostages, who were abducted during the October 2023 attacks.

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on Thursday during a press conference at the White House that all NATO members should allocate at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product to defense spending, a standard set in 2014.

The call to action comes ahead of the NATO summit, slated for June, where defense budgets are expected to be a central topic of discussion.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that NATO member states should spend 5 percent of their GDP, beyond the 2 percent guideline.

Currently, 18 of NATO's 32 member countries meet or exceed the 2 percent GDP defense spending benchmark. However, several nations, including Canada, have yet to reach this target.

In the United Kingdom, London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 has kicked off. The event, which runs until February 24, features a mix of traditional runway shows and digital presentations, encompassing both established and emerging designers.

This season, the British Fashion Council has introduced sustainability requirements for brands, emphasizing the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Participants include Harris Reed, who opened the week with a showcase, while Burberry is set to close the event on Monday evening.

A pop-up shop to commercially support designers will also run from February 22 to 24. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.