Israeli Forces Deploy Amid Hundreds of Settlers Entering Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus

Hundreds of Israeli settlers entered “Joseph’s Tomb” in the eastern part of Nablus in the occupied West Bank early Thursday, performing Talmudic rituals under heavy Israeli military protection, according to Palestinian sources.

Israeli military vehicles advanced into the eastern area of Nablus, compelling residents of nearby homes to evacuate, the Palestinian News Agency WAFA reported. The residences were repurposed as military barracks, with Israeli snipers positioned on the rooftops of several buildings, local sources stated.

Buses carrying hundreds of settlers moved into the eastern sector of the city and proceeded to “Joseph’s Tomb,” where Talmudic rituals were conducted, the report indicated.

The incident occurred amid heightened Israeli settler incursions into Muslim holy sites during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which commenced September 26 and concludes October 2.

On Wednesday, nearly 2,500 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem during the holiday under Israeli police protection, as reported by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department.

The incursions have included Talmudic rituals, prayers, dancing, and singing, according to the department. The Waqf reported over 1,500 settlers entered the compound on Sunday, more than 1,700 on Monday, and over 1,400 on Tuesday.

“Joseph’s Tomb,” situated on the eastern edge of Nablus, is considered one of the most contentious sites in the West Bank. Since Israel’s 1967 occupation, Jewish worshippers have regarded it as a sacred shrine, believing it houses the remains of the Prophet Joseph, son of Jacob. Archaeologists challenge this claim, asserting the site dates to only a few centuries ago and likely contains the tomb of a Muslim sheikh named Yusuf Dweikat.

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