The regular entrance to Joseph's Tomb in Shechem has turned into a battlefield. Terrorists activated a powerful explosive device against an IDF force securing the visitors. In the attack, four soldiers were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Additionally, exchanges of fire occurred between soldiers and terrorists, and the Palestinians report around 40 injured and most likely a casualty as well.
The explosive device, which was unusually large, created a mushroom-shaped smoke cloud that was clearly visible from a distance. However, the damage to the armored military vehicle was not significant, and the soldiers sustained non-severe injuries. It's worth noting that a similar incident in Jenin, where an explosive device immobilized a military vehicle, led to the launch of Operation 'Bayit VaGan' to suppress terrorist activities and restore order in the city.
The IDF allowed the publication during the night that "an officer and three soldiers were injured during an operation to secure the entry of civilians to the Joseph's Tomb compound in the city of Shechem. A foot patrol passed near an activated explosive device, which detonated. The soldiers were promptly evacuated to receive medical treatment at the hospital, and their families have been notified. The officer is in mild condition, two soldiers are likely in mild condition, and one soldier is in moderate condition."
The detonation of the explosive device occurred at a point where security forces were operating to secure the routes, not along the path of entry for civilians to the compound. The entry of worshippers to Joseph's Tomb continues as scheduled.
From the Beilinson Hospital, where the injured were taken, it was reported that four soldiers wounded in the battle in Shechem arrived. All four are conscious. One is moderately injured with burns and shrapnel wounds. The other three wounded are in mild condition with shrapnel injuries to their legs, and one of them has already been released to his home.
Palestinian sources report that yesterday a terrorist named A'id Alkani was killed in Shechem in a work accident at his home while preparing explosive devices. Alkani was an activist of the "Lions of Al-Aqsa" group and likely planted the explosive device that detonated near the soldiers.