JERUSALEM, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces have erupted in the West Bank city of Nablus after the Israeli military allowed Jewish worshippers to enter a holy site, the army said on Tuesday.
The Times of Israel reported that five Palestinians were injured. There were no reports of injuries among the Israeli forces.
The incident took place in Joseph's Tomb, a funerary monument outside Nablus holy to both Jews and Muslims, overnight between Monday and Tuesday.
The clashes erupted after about 750 Israeli worshippers entered the site escorted by military troops, border policemen, Israeli policemen, and Civil Administration officials.
Shortly before the arrival of the worshippers, troops entered Nablus "to secure the area," a military spokesperson said in a statement. "While there, the troops identified a Palestinian vehicle speeding toward them. In response, the troops fired toward the vehicle," the statement read.
During the prayers, Palestinians "hurled a firebomb toward Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops who guarded the worshippers' entrance area. No IDF injuries were reported and no damage was caused," the statement added.
Earlier in August, a similar incident occurred when hundreds of Israelis entered Joseph's Tomb under heavy military guard, sparking clashes with Palestinians.
Nablus is part of the West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Israel has kept its control over these lands despite international criticism.
