Hamas and PIJ praise foiled dual car bomb attempt; IDF arrests 6 suspects in Hebron

IDF discovers explosives lab in Hebron, confirms coordinated terrorist attacks

Read this article in:

Israeli security forces detained six Palestinian suspects in Hebron linked to the unsuccessful dual car bomb attack in Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem, late on Friday night, according to the IDF.

The attack was thwarted by the prompt response of local security forces and the malfunction of the makeshift explosive devices, which could have resulted in a large number of casualties.

One of the vehicles was found to contain a bomb weighing around 10 kg (22 pounds). The terrorist organizations Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) applauded the attacks but did not claim responsibility.

According to Israel's Army Radio, the terrorists killed during the incidents were identified as Muhammad Marka and Zahedi Abu Afifa, both in their 20s and from Hebron, which is considered a Hamas stronghold in Judea and Samaria (West Bank).

During the incident at Karmei Tzur, IDF troops opened fire at the terrorist who breached the entrance to the settlement.

One of the members of the local security team in his own car crashed into the terrorist's car, and killed the Palestinian assailant. A short while later, the… https://t.co/MloAqyUdN5 pic.twitter.com/ShDVurtTwA
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) August 30, 2024

The morning after the attacks, Hebron and the nearby town of Halhul were put on lockdown with a significant increase in Israeli military presence. Security measures, including stringent checks at Hebron’s Machpelah Cave – a site revered by both Jews and Muslims – were intensified following a brief closure of the area.

The IDF then raided the terrorists’ homes, and located and destroyed an explosives laboratory in Hebron. The six arrested suspects will be interrogated and their connection to the failed attacks will be examined, the IDF stated.

On Saturday, the Israeli military confirmed that the two attacks had been part of a coordinated, large-scale attack intended to inflict massive casualties.

Vehicle explosion reported earlier near Gush Etzion. It's unclear if it was a car bomb or something else. pic.twitter.com/zPridjwv5g
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) August 30, 2024

Hamas praised the “heroic double attack,” saying it was “a clear message that resistance will remain attacking, prolonged and sustained as long as the brutal occupation’s aggression and targeting of our people and land continue.”

“Facing defeat by the Israel Defense Forces on the battlefield, Palestinian terrorist groups are increasingly leaning towards a resumption of ‘martyrdom operations’ – suicide attacks designed to kill or maim as many Israelis as possible,” said Joe Truzman, senior research analyst at the Foundation for Freedom of Democracies (FDD).

“Speaking to a conference in Turkey this week, senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashal gave a full-throated endorsement of this murderous strategy, which wreaked havoc in Israel during the Second Intifada in the 2000s.”

Burnt vehicle from a bomb in attempted terror attack in Gush Etzion, Aug. 30, 2024 (Photo courtesy)

Israeli security forces at the scene of a car bomb explosion in the the Gush Eztion Junction, south of Jerusalem, August 31, 2024. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Three soldiers were lightly wounded during the attacks, including the commander of the Etzion Regional Brigade Lt.-Col. Guy Ritch.

The two terrorists had each driven a booby-trapped car, one stopping at a gas station at a busy intersection at Gush Etzion, while the other broke into the nearby town of Karmei Tzur.

Both terrorists exited their respective vehicles before they blew up and were eliminated by security forces within minutes.

The IDF’s preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists were in contact with each other and had left the same area at the same time, and set out for Gush Etzion, located between Jerusalem and Hebron.

“While the execution of this twin terrorist attack was, mercifully, inept, it is ringing alarm bells in Israel. Whoever organized this – and the likeliest suspect is Hamas – managed to find two recruits willing to die in the course of committing mass-murder and capable of coordinating their actions” said the CEO of FDD, Mark Dubowitz.

“Coming after the botched Tel Aviv suicide bombing of August 18, such tactics are emanating from the West Bank at ever-greater intensity. The Israelis must move fast to seize explosives and recruits before the trend becomes a strategic threat,” he added.