(CNN)A group of Palestinians set fire overnight to a compound housing Joseph's Tomb -- a religious site in the West Bank venerated by Jews -- sparking condemnations from Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

The tomb appeared to be unharmed, but the fire marked another downturn in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after weeks of renewed violence, including the stabbings of Israeli civilians and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces.

Jews consider the site in Nablus the final resting place of Joseph, a high Israelite patriarch and son of Jacob who, according to biblical accounts, was sold into slavery as a boy but then rose to become a powerful figure in ancient Egypt, second only to the pharaoh.

Jewish devotees at times go to the tomb under Israel Defense Forces escort at night to pray. Christians also consider Joseph's Tomb a holy site. It's been targeted before...

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/16/middle...nian-tensions/