IDF soldier injured by Palestinian rioters while guarding Joseph’s Tomb pilgrims

Marcy Oster

JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli soldier was injured by Palestinian rioters while he protected Jewish pilgrims to Joseph’s Tomb.

The site believed to be the burial place of the biblical patriarch is located in the northern West Bank city of Nablus.

Twenty busloads of visitors arrived at the tomb early on Monday morning to pray at the site. The army coordinates periodic visits to the site, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

The Palestinian rioters threw rocks and fire bombs, and rolled burning tires at the soldiers, according to reports. The injured soldier was evacuated to an Israeli hospital and treated.

Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, the site was to remain under Israeli control. The Israel Defense Forces evacuated the premises in October 2000 during the Second Intifada, and it was burnt down by Palestinians.

Jewish worshipers in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces make monthly nocturnal pilgrimages to the site, which has been renovated and restored.

Palestinian rioters were injured by IDF soldiers during Jewish visits in May and June.

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