On Wednesday, another terror incident occurred in Nablus as worshipers were entering Joseph's Tomb under the protection of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. An improvised explosive device was detonated, injuring an officer and three IDF soldiers. The injuries ranged from moderate to minor. Preliminary assessments suggest that the Fatah organization, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas heads up, was responsible for planting the explosive. The difference with this attack was it was witnessed firsthand by a European Union parliamentary member who was astonished at the ide of attacking people simply for praying.
An official statement from an IDF spokesperson revealed that the explosion took place amid operations to ensure the secure entry of civilians into Joseph’s Tomb complex within Nablus. The explosive was triggered as an infantry unit passed near it. In retaliation, a firefight ensued between IDF personnel and the assailants. The IDF surmises that the bomb had been planted in advance and was remotely activated. All injured soldiers were conscious during their evacuation and were taken to a medical facility for treatment. Their families have been duly notified.
Another day, another violation of Oslo. Apart from guaranteeing access to Jewish worshippers in Joseph’s tomb, Oslo includes many Jewish holy sites throughout PA controlled territory that Jews were quaranteed free access/worship to (inc bus service)…In fact, most are off limits. pic.twitter.com/FRSWLiHPNj
— מיכל קוטלר-×•×•× ×© | Michal Cotler-Wunsh (@CotlerWunsh) August 31, 2023
Following the attack, Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Council, stated: "It is imperative never to cower before terrorism. Retreat empowers terrorism, whereas confronting it causes it to flee. We stand resolute behind the IDF and security forces that protect our nation. I urge the government to regain complete control over Joseph's Tomb."
24 hours of bloody Palestinian terrorism:
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) August 31, 2023
Two car-ramming attacks, a stabbing attack, a powerful explosion at Joseph’s Tomb, dozens of rock-hurling and firebomb attacks.
Eight people injured to varying degrees. https://t.co/VMLLwLwytM
Interestingly, the event saw an unprecedented visit from Christian Terhes, a Member of the European Parliament from Romania. Given the volatile security situation in the area, this was the first time a European Parliamentarian had ventured to Joseph’s Tomb. In the aftermath of the explosion, Teres expressed his disbelief at the situation faced by Jewish worshipers in the area. "What I witnessed today is beyond comprehension for someone who has never experienced the reality of terrorism in Israel," said Terhes. "It is shocking that individuals who seek only to pray peacefully are forced to travel in bulletproof buses, escorted by military personnel, and live under the constant threat of terrorist attacks. This is unacceptable, and the international community must be made aware of what is happening here."
TERROR SUMMARY IN ISRAEL: There have been 4 terror attacks in the last 24 hours - Hebron, Jerusalem, Joseph's Tomb and on Rt. 443 a main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv artery. The pace is DIZZYING even for those of us who have lived through previous rounds of spikes in terror and rockets.
— Yonah Jeremy Bob (@jeremybob1) August 31, 2023
MK Zvi Sukkot, who was present during the attack, emphasized the need to continue visiting the religious site: "Terrorism must be vanquished. Our pilgrimage to Joseph’s Tomb should go on, especially in the wake of such an event. I want to extend my gratitude to the Samaria Regional Council and the administration of Joseph's Tomb for continuing to organize these scheduled visits."
As Israel grapples with this deeply unsettling act of terrorism, its commitment remains unshaken—to safeguard its citizens and uphold their right to practice their faith without fear.
