Eyewitness testimonies from the recent terror attack near the Gush Etzion junction have highlighted the crucial role played by heroism and luck in averting a potentially catastrophic incident. The attack, which occurred on Friday night, involved two car bombs and an attempted infiltration of the nearby settlement of Karmei Tzur.

According to an employee at a gas station near the Gush Etzion junction, the first car bomb approached against the flow of traffic. As the vehicle pulled in, the hood caught fire, forcing the terrorist to exit the vehicle while severely burned. Another employee, unaware of the terrorist's intentions, attempted to extinguish what he believed to be a car fire. Struggling to communicate with the injured terrorist, soldiers present at the scene asked the employee to translate. Suddenly, the terrorist started running and was subsequently shot and killed.

It was revealed that the car bombs used in the attack were not loaded with standard explosives, but instead packed with gas canisters. This unexpected element made the bombs unusually powerful. In response to the attack, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) arrested six suspects in Hebron and implemented a military closure of the city.

Security forces suspect that a third car bomb, which has yet to be located, may have been traveling alongside the two that originated from Hebron and drove along Route 60 in Gush Etzion. As a result, numerous roadblocks have been set up throughout the area to aid in the search.

The two terrorists, identified as Mohammed Marka and Zahdi Abu Afifa, both in their 20s, were reportedly unknown to Israeli security forces and had no apparent organizational ties. Investigators are currently exploring the possibility that the two were directed by external actors and received funding for their planned triple attack.

The sequence of events began at 11:35 p.m. on Friday night when the first car exploded at the gas station near the Gush Etzion junction. Simultaneously, Abu Afifa breached the gate of Karmei Tzur, following a warning received by the settlement's residents moments before. The security guard allowed Abu Afifa to enter the settlement for inspection. However, he quickly realized his mistake when the terrorist attempted to run him over. A quick-thinking security patrol officer engaged Abu Afifa, ramming the terrorist's vehicle and opening fire. The rigged car exploded, killing the terrorist instantly.

As a result of the attacks, a 24-year-old IDF officer sustained moderate injuries, while a 34-year-old reserve officer was lightly wounded from accidental gunfire by the IDF. In Karmei Tzur, a collision with the terrorist's car left a 28-year-old security officer with minor injuries. The officer received medical attention at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center before being discharged.

The investigation into this coordinated terror attack is ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to prevent further threats to the safety and security of the region. The bravery and swift action of those present at the scenes undoubtedly played a significant role in avoiding a more devastating outcome.