Jews Visiting Joseph’s Tomb Attacked by Palestinians, Police Arrest the Jews

Jerusalem, 23 August, 2016 (TPS) -- Approximately 60 Hasidic Jews entered Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, Samaria during the night and were met with riots and rock throwing by a Palestinian mob. A teenager was lightly wounded in his face when a rock hit the bus, and was taken to Schneider Hospital in Petach Tikva.

The visit was not coordinated with Israeli authorities, and IDF and police forces were called in to rescue them. The police arrested 32 of the visiting Jews, since the site is located in Area A, which is under full control by the Palestinian Authority and to which access by Israelis is forbidden without prior coordination.

“We view the incident tonight very seriously,” said the Judea and Samaria Police in a statement. “Uncoordinated visits without proper security are dangerous both for the visitors and for security forces that come in to rescue them. Entry to Area A without permission is a criminal offense.”