PALESTINIAN POLICE TRIES TO STOP PHOTOGRAPHS BEING TAKEN INSIDE JOSEPHS TOMB IN NABLUS, 1998-08-20 (photo)

A Jewish security agent, inside the Joseph Tomb compound, tries to prevent photographs being taken August 20 of the newly established living quarters, including tents (R) of some 40 Jews who have set up camp and refused to leave the biblical shrine. Palestinian police have barred Jewish worshippers from entering the site since last Sunday after settlers, who had spent several days at the shrine, refused to leave. Israel's Government Press Office said the Palestinian action violated an agreement to ensure Jews free access to the shrine and said there was nothing in an interim peace accord barring overnight stays. Palestinian security officials claim only a handful of Jewish worshippers are permitted to stay overnight at the shrine and others must be escorted by a joint Israeli-Palestinian security patrol as they arrive in the early morning and leave at nightfall. EH/JDP