Clashes Erupt as Israelis Visit Joseph's Tomb in Nablus

 Clashes broke out on Wednesday morning as hundreds of Israelis, including settlers, visited Joseph's Tomb near Balata refugee camp east of Nablus under military escort, Palestinian security sources said.

    As many as 500 Israelis arrived in 10 buses at the holy site at dawn, the sources told Palestinian news agency (Ma'an). Large numbers of Israeli forces accompanied the Israelis to the site, and clashes quickly erupted, with local youths from Balata hurling stones at Israeli military jeeps, and soldiers firing tear gas canisters in return. 

    A number of protesters reportedly suffered excessive tear gas inhalation, although no other injuries were reported. Joseph's Tomb, revered by Jews, Muslims, Christians and Samaritans, is the site of regular visits by Israelis, who are escorted by Israeli military forces to the area, often leading to clashes with local Palestinians. 

    Wednesday's visit came as Jews celebrated the holiday of Purim. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces detained eight Palestinians in the West Bank on Wednesday.  According to sources, the Israeli forces detained three Palestinians in Bethlehem, three others in Jenin, one in Ramallah, and one in Tulkarem after raiding and searching operations.

Source: QNA