Palestinian Islamic Jihad members attack worshippers at Joseph's Tomb

According to several reports, the IDF protected the worshippers, and several Palestinian gunmen were wounded in the exchange of fire.

 IDF soldier holds position during West Bank overnight operations on July 19, 2023. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
IDF soldier holds position during West Bank overnight operations on July 19, 2023.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Palestinian gunmen attacked Jewish worshippers at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus late Wednesday night, according to a Thursday morning IDF statement. 

The IDF acted to protect the worshippers, and several Palestinian gunmen were wounded in the exchange of fire.

The IDF reported that, in addition to shooting, Palestinians threw explosives, burned tires, and threw stones at Israeli security forces at Joseph's Tomb. 

The expedition to pray at the tomb was organized by the family of teenager Moishe Kleinerman, who has been missing since early 2022. 

Casualties and other IDF overnight activity 

One Palestinian was killed in the clashes, according to Reuters citing the Palestinian Health Ministry. 

 IDF soldier and worshippers at Joseph's Tomb (credit: SAMARIA REGIONAL COUNCIL)
IDF soldier and worshippers at Joseph's Tomb (credit: SAMARIA REGIONAL COUNCIL)

The Nablus battalion of the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad group, said its members were "fighting the occupation forces and groups of settlers who had stormed the area of Joseph's Tomb," according to Reuters. 

Also on Wednesday night, the IDF arrested a total of five wanted persons throughout the West Bank and confiscated a variety of weapons, weapon components, and ammunition.