A Palestinian mob has set fire to the Joseph’s Tomb religious site at the start of their so-called Day of Rage.

Believed to be the burial place of the biblical patriarch, the holy area near Nablus was torched by rioters in the early hours of Friday morning.

Palestinian officials reportedly told Israeli leaders they would repair the damage, but the IDF said it would also carry out emergency repair work to allow worshippers to continue visiting the tomb.

IDF spokesman Peter Lerner said: “The burning and desecration of Joseph’s Tomb last night is a blatant violation and contradiction of the basic value of freedom of worship.

“The IDF will take all measures to bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice, restore the site to its previous condition and ensure that the freedom of worship returns to Joseph’s Tomb.”

The site is under Palestinian Authority control, and some Israeli ministers called for the tomb to be brought back under Israeli control.

Avi Roeh, chairman of the Yesha Council settlement group, said: “We saw, in great pain, the difficult pictures from Joseph’s Tomb and are shocked at the harm done to a place holy to the Jewish people.

“It turns out yet again that there is no alternative to Israeli sovereignty when it comes to protecting holy sites. We demand the return of Israeli control at the site, and opening it to Jewish worship on a permanent basis.”