Sappers destroy bomb found near Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron

Sappers detonated an improvised explosive device found near the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron on Sunday, police said.

Border police manning a station just outside the tomb noticed the suspicious device and immediately cleared the area and summoned the sappers.

The device contained two small gas canisters. It was blown up in a controlled explosion by the police bomb squad.

Police closed roads and barred entrance to the site, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims, while dealing with the bomb.

The device was found near one of the entrances used only by Muslims, and the area remained closed for over an hour until the device was neutralized.

“In the area of the tomb, there is unique coexistence that the security forces, including border police, protect with the goal of allowing freedom of worship and religion to both Jews and Muslims at the Tomb of the Patriarchs,” police said in a statement after the incident.

“The soldiers will continue to work with determination and professionalism to protect the security of all the citizens, residents and visitors to the site,” it said.

Police launched an investigation.