Settlers storm Nablus site, perform prayers

A large number of Israeli forces stormed the northern occupied West Bank city of Nablus at dawn today escorting a group of Israeli settlers as they visited Joseph’s Tomb to perform religious rituals.

Locals said that several buses carrying right-wing Israeli settlers stormed Joseph’s Tomb, where they performed Jewish religious rituals under heavy Israeli military protection.

Israeli forces fired live ammunition, gas bombs and sound bombs at Palestinians in the area.

Sources confirmed that Israeli forces shot and injured a 30-year-old Palestinian with a rubber coated steel bullet in his lower body; his identity is not known.

Read: Settlers raid West Bank village, spray anti-Arab graffiti

Several Palestinians also suffocation as a result of suffered tear-gas inhalation but immediately received first aid at the scene.

Israeli settlers repeatedly attempt to break into the holy site of Joseph’s Tomb, located in a Palestinian populated area in Nablus.

Joseph’s Tomb is revered by Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Samaritans alike. The Israeli military allows Jews to visit as part of organised pilgrimages, despite the site being located in “Area A” where the PA has full control. Occupation forces prohibit Muslims from worshipping at the site.

Palestinians believe that Joseph’s Tomb is the funerary monument to Sheikh Yousif Dweikat, a local religious figure.

Read: Israeli settlers commit more arson in occupied West Bank