Three Palestinians shot in Israeli raid

Occupation forces escort hundreds of colonists to revered site, triggering clashes

Fierce clashes raged in the Balata Refugee Camp near Nablus in the West Bank yesterday morning as hundreds of far right Jewish colonists raided Joseph’s tomb and performed Jewish and Talmudic prayers and rituals.

According to Akram Al Rujoub, the governor of Nablus, a large Israeli military contingent raided the city from the eastern side in a pre-dawn push into Balata to establish a secure passage for hundreds of colonists to troop to the site.

Palestinian youths confronted the Israeli occupation forces and later took out their ire on buses transporting the colonists at Balata entrance and Amman Street, where the angry youths threw rocks and projectiles and rolled burning tyres in towards occupation forces, who responded by firing tear gas, rubber coated bullets and, later, live ammunition at the demonstrators.

Sources in Balata said that at least three Palestinian youths suffered serious injuries and were hospitalised while tens of others were treated for breathing difficulties. The sources said that at least 20 Palestinians were arrested by occupation forces who were supported by snipers on top of surrounding buildings.

Far-right incitement

Far-right colonist groups had earlier called for the storming of Joseph’s tomb to perform Jewish rituals.

Sources in Balata said that the Palestinian youths were aware of the online calls of the groups to raid the site and had been anticipating a confrontation. According to the Jewish narrative, Prophet Joseph is buried in the tomb, while the Palestinians officially claim that a local Shaikh, Yousuf Dwaikat, from Balata, is buried there.