Title: Palestinian Teenager Killed in Clashes with Israeli Troops at Joseph’s Tomb
Date: [Date]
Nablus, West Bank – A Palestinian teenager was killed and dozens were injured in violent clashes with Israeli troops early Thursday as Jewish worshipers visited Joseph’s Tomb in the city of Nablus, according to Palestinian health officials. The deceased Palestinian was identified as 19-year-old Bader al-Masri by the Palestinian Authority news agency Wafa.
The Israeli security forces were accompanying hundreds of Jewish worshipers to the site for a special visit ahead of Tisha B’Av, a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the two temples in ancient times. Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and other top police officials were in attendance, as well as Police Commissioner Shabtai, who had earlier met with the family of a missing teenager before accompanying them to Joseph’s Tomb.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that armed Palestinians opened fire, threw explosive devices, and blocked roads with burning tires as the security forces and worshipers approached the site. In response, the IDF used live fire and riot dispersal means, with several suspects getting hit. Al-Masri was critically injured and later died in the hospital, while three others were wounded, two seriously. Additionally, 30 people were treated for tear gas inhalation, including a 12-day-old baby, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Social media footage showed Palestinians throwing firebombs at an IDF armored bulldozer that was blocking off traffic in preparation for the pilgrimage, resulting in large explosions. The clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers during such visits have become commonplace, igniting violence with the local Palestinian community.
Joseph’s Tomb is located within Area A of the West Bank, under complete Palestinian Authority control, but the Israeli military frequently enters the area despite Palestinian opposition. Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering Area A without prior authorization, leading to criticism that the monthly pilgrimages are unnecessary provocations that put Israeli soldiers at risk.
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have been on the rise in the West Bank, with nightly raids conducted by the military in response to a series of deadly Palestinian terror attacks. In overnight raids, the IDF detained four wanted Palestinians, and another suspect carrying a knife was apprehended in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba.
Since the beginning of this year, Palestinian attacks in Israel and the West Bank have claimed the lives of 25 people, according to The Times of Israel. During the same period, 153 West Bank Palestinians have been killed, most of them during clashes with security forces or while carrying out attacks. However, some were innocent civilians, and others were killed under unclear circumstances.
The ongoing violence underscores the deep-seated tensions and challenges faced by both Israelis and Palestinians in the region.