Palestinians have clashed with Israeli troops after settlers stormed Joseph’s Tomb on the outskirts of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, desecrating the site venerated by Jews, Christians and Muslims. The Israeli army evacuated the premises in October 2000 during the second intifada and it was burnt down by Palestinians.
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Sixteen buses carrying Jewish worshipers were accompanied by IDF soldiers, who secured their approved visit to the flashpoint site. The soldier was taken to Beilinson Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
While gunfire is relatively uncommon, local Palestinians regularly attack the soldiers guarding the visitors with rocks, firebombs and burning tires.
The shots were fired after a number of Israeli military vehicles, and buses, transporting colonists, invaded Nablus and headed towards Joseph’s Tomb, near Balata refugee camp.
“The circumstances of the incident are being investigated”, the army said in a statement. Israeli security forces organize once monthly visits, under heavy guard, in order for religious Jews to pray at the traditional burial place of the Biblical patriarch.
A group of about 60 religious students from the Breslov hassidic sect traveled to Joseph’s Tomb despite not having the required authorization from Israel’s military.
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Two of the Israelis were lightly injured as a result of the rock-throwing and were treated at the scene.
