Yes, putting ice cubes in a microwave oven can cause them to explode. Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic waves that excite the water molecules in food, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. When you place ice cubes in a microwave, the microwave energy rapidly heats the water molecules in the ice, causing them to convert from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) very quickly.
The rapid conversion of ice to steam generates a significant amount of pressure within the ice cube, and if this pressure is not released, it can cause the ice cube to explode. The explosion can be forceful and potentially dangerous, as the hot water vapor can escape and cause burns or scalding.
To avoid this risk, it is generally recommended not to put ice cubes directly into a microwave oven. If you need to heat or melt ice, it is safer to use other methods such as placing them in a container and allowing them to melt at room temperature or using a stove or kettle to heat them slowly.