Senior Palestinian officials warned Tuesday that the violent clashes between Palestinian security forces and operatives of Fatah's military wing in Nablus, have brought the city "to the brink of anarchy." Tensions between Palestinian security forces and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades operatives in the city escalated last week, after Palestinian police killed Ahmed Izz Halawa, a senior operative with the terrorist group. Halawa was arrested last week in a police raid that followed the death of two Palestinian police officers. He was reportedly killed after he was taken to Juneid prison in Nablus. While the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, Nablus Governor Akram al-Rjoub said Halawa was "the mastermind" behind the shooting of the officers, and that he was beaten to death by security forces. Hundreds of protesters, some throwing stones and firing rifles in mid-air, marched through Nablus on Monday and Tuesday to denounce the Halawa's death. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah promised a full investigation, describing the incident as "rare." Also on Tuesday, some 60 Israelis who entered Joseph's Tomb near Nablus without authorization were accosted by Palestinians and required military extraction. Joseph's Tomb is under the Palestinian security forces' control. Jewish access to the compound is often restricted for security reasons, and worshippers are required to coordinate their visits with the military, which escorts them in and out of the area. The group, consisting of Breslov Hassidim, entered the compound despite the military's decision to cancel their visit. They were spotted by local Palestinians and a riot broke out, during which stones and bottles were hurled at the Breslovers, one of whom sustained light injuries. Israeli military forces were called to the scene and extracted the Breslovers, after which 32 of them were detained for questioning. They were released by noon Tuesday, and a restraining order was issued against them, barring them from the premises for 15 days. "This was a very serious incident. Uncoordinated visits [to Joseph's Tomb] that are devoid the proper security escort place both visitors and security forces sent to extract them in unnecessary danger. We reiterate that unauthorized entry to Area A is a criminal offense," the Judea and Samaria District Police said in a statement. Under the 1993 Oslo Accords, Area A is under full Palestinian civil and security control.
Nablus on brink of anarchy, Palestinian officials warn
Tensions between Palestinian security forces and Fatah's military wing near boiling point after police kill a top Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades operative • Some 60 Breslovers accosted after entering Joseph's Tomb without authorization; IDF extracts them.
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