DOZENS OF SETTLERS STORM MUSLIM MONUMENT NEAR NABLUS

Protected by Israeli forces, several buses packed with settlers stormed eastern Nablus and proceeded to Joseph Tomb, where they performed religious rituals, triggering clashes with the residents. (Photo: Al-Ray)

Nablus, 2 Jumadil Akhir 1436/22 March 2015 (MINA) – Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed early Thursday the monument of Sheikh Yousef Dweikat, a local religious figure, to the east of Nablus, said security sources.

Protected by Israeli forces, several buses packed with settlers stormed eastern Nablus and proceeded to Joseph Tomb, where they performed religious rituals, triggering clashes with the residents.

Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian locals who attempted to prevent settlers from storming the religious site. No arrests or injuries were reported, WAFA Palestinian News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The site of Joseph’s Tomb is contentious. Palestinians believe the site to be the funerary monument to Sheikh Yousef Dweikat, a local religious figure, while Israeli settlers believe it to belong to the Biblical Patriarch Joseph.

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In teh other side, several Palestinians suffocated Thursday from tear gas as Israeli forces raided Fahma village to the south of Jenin, said security sources.

Israeli forces raided the village and stormed the local secondary boys’ school, triggering clashes with locals.

Israeli forces fired concussion guns, tear gas canisters, live ammunition, and rubber-coated steel bullets at locals and chased locals in a hot pursue. Several residents suffered from the effects of tear gas inhalation; however, no one was reportedly detained.

Israeli soldiers also set up roadblocks at the entrances of the village, effectively cordoning it off, as well as erected another roadblock between Arraba and Kafr Ra‘i.(T/R05/P3)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)